ballast BAL-uhst noun verb WS #5

heavy material placed in a vessel to improve stability; coarse gravel used to form the bed of a railroad track; a device that regulates current in an electrical circuit; something that gives stability

1. Her unwavering support served as a ballast during challenging times.
2. The hot air balloon required precisely calculated ballast to achieve the correct altitude.
3. The ship was loaded with ballast to ensure it remained steady during the voyage.
4. The workers spread new ballast along the tracks to maintain the railway's integrity.
5. The fluorescent light flickered due to a faulty ballast.

to steady or equip with ballast; to fill with ballast material

1. They ballasted the canoe with large rocks to prevent it from tipping over.
2. The company ballasted its finances with a substantial cash reserve.
3. They ballasted the unstable platform with concrete blocks.
4. The construction crew ballasted the new railway section to ensure durability.
5. The engineers ballasted the bridge to withstand strong winds.