The word "anchor" generally refers to a heavy object attached to a boat or ship by a cable, chain, or rope. It is used to hold the vessel in place, preventing it from drifting due to wind or water currents. Beyond its literal sense, "anchor" can also apply metaphorically to something that provides stability, security, or support in various contexts, such as a reliable friend or a strong belief.
The word "anchor" comes from the Old English "ancora," which is derived from the Latin word "ancora," meaning "anchor." The Latin term is believed to have roots in the Greek word "ánkura," which also means "anchor."