Heavy objects used to secure ships or boats to the sea floor, or anything that provides stability and security.
From Old English ancor, borrowed from Latin ancora, which came from Greek ankyra meaning 'hook' or 'anchor.' The metaphorical sense of something that provides stability developed in the 14th century.
The anchor symbol has become universally associated with hope and steadfastness, appearing in everything from tattoos to corporate logos. Interestingly, ancient anchors were often just large stones with holes drilled through them, and the familiar fluked design we know today wasn't perfected until the 18th century.
Historically, news 'anchors' were predominantly male broadcasters; 'anchor' metaphorically implied stability and authority long coded masculine. Women entering the role faced gendered skepticism about authoritative presence.
Use neutrally for all broadcasters regardless of gender, but recognize the word carries legacy weight in media credibility.
["presenter","broadcaster","correspondent"]
Women journalists like Barbara Walters and Connie Chung fought to establish credibility as 'anchors,' breaking masculine monopoly on authoritative voice in news.
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