underpin

verb

1. (transitive)To support from below with props or masonry.

   “You should underpin the mine roof to prevent further collapse.”

2. (figuratively, transitive)To give support to; to form a basis of; to corroborate.

   “Public confidence in politicians must underpin our democracy.”

   “Since Rupert Murdoch famously bet the farm on Premier League football to rescue Sky TV in 1991, it has been the catnip that has underpinned subscriber loyalty and, even in a far more complicated media landscape, is seen as so vital as to be worth almost any price.”

   “The operator said the results were underpinned by a 16% increase in Q3 sales from North America.”