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Harbor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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harbor

[ˈhɑːrbər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in port

A place on the coast where ships can seek shelter, especially one protected from rough waters by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures.

Synonyms

dock, marina, port.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harbor

A sheltered area of water where ships and boats can anchor safely, typically providing protection from harsh weather.

  • The boats sought refuge in the harbor during the storm
  • The harbor is always busy with fishermen bringing in their catch
port

A town or city with a harbor where ships load or unload, particularly used for international trade and travel.

  • The port is a major hub for importing goods
  • She arrived at the port early to catch her ferry
dock

A structure extending alongshore or out from the shore into a body of water, to which boats can be moored.

  • The passengers disembarked at the dock
  • Workers were loading cargo onto the ship at the dock
marina

A specially-designed harbor with moorings and supplies for yachts and small boats.

  • They kept their sailboat at a local marina
  • The marina offers various facilities, including fuel and water

Examples of usage

  • The ship entered the harbor to seek refuge from the storm.
  • The harbor was bustling with activity as ships came and went.
Context #2 | Verb

hide

To keep a feeling or thought in one's mind without expressing it.

Examples of usage

  • She harbored a secret desire to become a singer.
  • He harbored suspicions about his colleague's intentions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • Ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians relied on natural harbors for trade and naval power.
  • Notable harbors, like the port of Alexandria, were vital to trade routes connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa in antiquity.
  • During World War II, strategic harbors played key roles in transporting troops and supplies, affecting the outcomes of battles.

Environmental Impact

  • Harbors often become biodiversity hotspots, supporting various marine life in their sheltered waters.
  • Pollution in harbors can lead to significant environmental issues, affecting both marine ecosystems and human health.
  • Efforts are underway globally to make harbors more eco-friendly, reducing their impact on surrounding waters.

Cultural References

  • Harbors are symbolic in literature, often representing safety, homecoming, or a new beginning.
  • In many seafaring tales, harbors are depicted as places of reunion for sailors returning from long voyages.
  • The famous painting 'The Fighting Temeraire' by J.M.W. Turner captures the emotional essence of ships arriving at harbor, symbolizing change.

Modern Usage

  • In the tech world, 'harbor' is also the name of a tool for container image distribution, showing the term's evolution.
  • Modern harbors have advanced facilities, enabling them to handle larger vessels with technological enhancements.
  • Urban planning often incorporates harbors as central components for economic development and tourism.

Origin of 'harbor'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'harbor' comes from the Old English word 'herebeorg', which means a shelter or haven.
  • It has roots in Germanic languages, where similar terms denote refuge or protection.
  • In Latin, the word 'portus' also refers to a place where ships dock, showing a common historical link to maritime safety.

The word 'harbor' originated from the Old English word 'herebeorg', which meant 'shelter' or 'lodging'. It has been used in English since the 12th century to refer to a place of safety for ships. Harbors have played a crucial role in maritime trade and transportation throughout history, providing shelter for ships from storms and a base for loading and unloading cargo.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,926, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.