sea-anchor

A small fishing boat deploys its sea-anchor in choppy water.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A drag device used to stabilize a boat in heavy weather: A "sea-anchor" is a device, typically shaped like a cone or parachute, deployed from a vessel to reduce drifting and keep the bow pointed into the wind and waves, improving safety during storms.

Usage Examples

• (A stabilizing drag device used in heavy weather.)
• (A device to reduce drift and improve stability.)

Advanced Usage

• "to ride to a sea-anchor": to remain stationary or nearly so in open water by using a sea-anchor.
  • The sailboat rode to a sea-anchor all night, waiting for the storm to pass. (The boat stayed in place using the device.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sea anchor (n): an alternative spelling for "sea-anchor," referring to the same device.
  • He attached the sea anchor to the bow line. (Same meaning as sea-anchor.)
• Drag anchor (n): a similar device used to slow or stabilize a vessel, often confused with a sea-anchor but typically smaller.
  • The kayaker used a drag anchor to keep from drifting too fast. (A miniature sea-anchor for small craft.)

Synonyms

• Drift anchor: a device used to slow down a vessel's drift.
• Parachute anchor: a type of sea-anchor shaped like a parachute for maximum drag.

Related Idioms

• To throw out a sea-anchor: to take a cautious or defensive measure in a difficult situation.
  • When the project started to fail, the manager threw out a sea-anchor by hiring extra staff. (To take a stabilizing action in a crisis.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Sea-anchor off: to deploy the sea-anchor to stop or slow a vessel.
  • The captain ordered the crew to sea-anchor off until the fog cleared. (To use the sea-anchor to halt progress.)