They're weighed before the journey starts (7)

I believe the answer is:

anchors

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'starts' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't see how they can define each other.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for anchors that I've seen before include "They chain ships to the bottom" , "stabilising influences" , "Firmly fixes" , "Chains to the seabed" , "They prevent vessels from moving" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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