shelter

¹shel·ter

noun \ˈshel-tər\

Definition of SHELTER

1

a : something that covers or affords protection <a bomb shelter>

b : an establishment providing food and shelter (as to the homeless)

c : an establishment that houses and feeds stray animals

2

: a position or the state of being covered and protected <took shelter>

— shel·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of SHELTER

1. We made a shelter from branches.
2. a shelter for battered women
3. The organization provides food and shelter for homeless people.
4. The crowd ran for shelter when the rain started.
5. They sought shelter from the storm.

Origin of SHELTER

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1585

Related to SHELTER

Synonyms

asylum, bolt-hole [chiefly British], harbor, harborage, haven, refuge, retreat, sanctuary, sanctum

Related Words

oasis; anchorage, mooring, port; cover, screen; abode, diggings, domicile, dwelling, habitation, house, housing, lodging, lodgment (or lodgement), pad, place, quarters, residence, rest, roof; cloister, closet, covert, den, hermitage, hideaway, hideout, lair; castle, fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, redoubt, stronghold; lean-to, lee, shed, windbreak

Rhymes with SHELTER

belter, melter, pelter, skelter, smelter, spelter, swelter, welter

²shelter

verb

shel·teredshel·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of SHELTER

transitive verb

1

: to constitute or provide a shelter for : protect <has led a sheltered life>

2

: to place under shelter or protection <sheltered himself in a mountain cave>

3

: to protect (income) from taxation

intransitive verb

: to take shelter

— shel·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

Examples of SHELTER

1. A cave sheltered the climbers during the storm.
2. They sheltered in a cave while they waited for the storm to pass.

First Known Use of SHELTER

1590

Related to SHELTER

Synonyms

harbor, refuge

Related Words

cover, defend, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward; domicile, house, place, quarter; shade, shadow

Near Antonyms

expose