Word

linchpin, n.
(linchpins)

pin inserted through an axletree to hold a wheel on
<noun.artifact>

linchpin lynchpin

semantic pointers

hypernym

a central cohesive source of support and stability
<noun.cognition> freq. cnt.: 2 freq. cnt.: 1 freq. cnt.: 1

anchor backbone keystone linchpin lynchpin mainstay

sample sentences

"faith is his anchor"
"the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money"
"he is the linchpin of this firm"

lexical pointers

derivationally related form

anchor

semantic pointers

hypernym

support