underscore

[v. uhn-der-skawr, -skohr, uhn-der-skawr, -skohr; n. uhn-der-skawr, -skohr] /v. ˈʌn dərˌskɔr, -ˌskoʊr, ˌʌn dərˈskɔr, -ˈskoʊr; n. ˈʌn dərˌskɔr, -ˌskoʊr/
verb (used with object), underscored, underscoring.
1.
to mark with a line or lines underneath; underline, as for emphasis.
2.
to stress; emphasize:
The recent tragedy underscores the danger of disregarding safety rules.
noun
3.
a line drawn beneath something written or printed.
4.
music for a film soundtrack; background for a film or stage production.
Origin
1765-75; under- + score
Examples from the web for underscores
  • The fact that you do not appreciate the complexities of economics underscores why no one asked you to make those decisions.
  • On the contrary, that you seem to find it necessary to resort to such remarks painfully underscores your lack of them.
  • The big, red new squid species-perhaps one of several-underscores the richness of undersea mountain life, experts say.
  • Globalisation underscores the need for a flexible, dynamic labour market and a well-educated, adaptable workforce.
  • The tendency of the effects of bullying to worsen when left untreated underscores the need for early intervention as well.
  • The promotion underscores the challenge that faces electric-car makers.
  • The pattern underscores big problems with the mix of economic policies around the world.
  • He underscores the urgency of sustainable forest management.
British Dictionary definitions for underscores

underscore

verb (transitive) (ˌʌndəˈskɔː)
1.
to draw or score a line or mark under
2.
to stress or reinforce
noun (ˈʌndəˌskɔː)
3.
a line drawn under written matter
Word Origin and History for underscores

underscore

v.

1771, "to draw a line under," from under + score (v.). The figurative sense of "to emphasize" is attested from 1891. Noun meaning "a line drawn below (something)" is recorded from 1901.