ballast
UK: ˈbæləst | US: ˈbæləst
n. heavy material used to stabilize a ship or structure
n. something that provides stability or balance
vt. to stabilize with ballast
The word "ballast" likely originated from Old Norse or Low German, where "barlast" (literally "bare load") referred to heavy material carried in ships to improve stability. The "ball" morpheme suggests a dense, heavy object, while the "-ast" suffix may derive from Old English "hlæst" (burden). Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to describe anything providing steadiness or equilibrium.
The ship took on ballast to prevent capsizing in rough seas.
Her calm demeanor acted as emotional ballast during the crisis.
Workers ballasted the railway tracks with crushed stone.
The balloon dropped sandbags as ballast to gain altitude.
His rigorous training served as intellectual ballast for the debate.