drag-anchor

drag-anchor

The ship's drag-anchor keeps it steady in the strong current.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Marine equipment: A "drag-anchor" is a device used at sea, typically a sea anchor or drift anchor, designed to stabilize a vessel or slow its drift by creating drag in the water. It is not a traditional anchor that holds a ship in place, but rather a floating or submerged object that resists movement.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The crew deployed the drag-anchor to keep the boat from drifting too fast during the storm. (A sea anchor used to reduce drift speed.)
    • A drag-anchor is essential for maintaining position in rough seas when a regular anchor cannot hold. (A stabilizing device for vessels.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to set a drag-anchor": to deploy the device for stabilization.

    • Before the squall hit, the sailors set a drag-anchor to prevent the ship from being pushed onto the rocks. (Deploying a sea anchor for safety.)

  • "drag-anchor as a temporary measure": used for short-term stabilization.

    • The fishing boat used a drag-anchor to hold its position while the crew repaired the engine. (A temporary solution for drifting.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Drift-anchor (n): a synonym for drag-anchor, specifically a sea anchor used to control drift.

    • The drift-anchor is often made of canvas or nylon. (A type of drag-anchor.)

  • Sea anchor (n): a broader term for any device used to slow a vessel's drift.

    • A sea anchor is deployed from the bow to keep the vessel pointed into the wind. (A drag-anchor is a type of sea anchor.)
Synonyms
  • Drift-anchor: a device used to slow a vessel's drift.
  • Sea anchor: a floating or submerged object that creates drag.
  • Drogue: a similar device used in aviation or boating to slow movement.
Related Idioms
  • "to drag anchor" (idiomatic): to fail to hold position (used for ships or figuratively).
    • The ship began to drag anchor in the strong current. (The anchor failed to hold.)
    • His resolve seemed to drag anchor under pressure. (His determination weakened.)
Phrasal Verbs

  • Drag out: to prolong or extend unnecessarily (not directly related, but shares the word "drag").

    • The meeting was dragged out by endless debates. (Extended beyond necessity.)

  • Drag behind: to lag or fall behind.

    • The small boat began to drag behind the larger vessel. (Fell behind in movement.)
Additional Notes
  • Usage context: The term "drag-anchor" is primarily used in nautical contexts, especially in sailing, fishing, and maritime safety. It is distinct from a traditional "kedge anchor" or "stock anchor", which are designed to hold a vessel in place by digging into the seabed.
  • Construction: A drag-anchor is often a cone-shaped or parachute-like device made of heavy fabric, deployed from the bow or stern to create water resistance.