Harboring: meaning, definitions and examples

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harboring

[ˈhɑːrbərɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

keeping

To hold or retain in the mind; maintain; entertain.

Synonyms

cherish, conceal, nurture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
harboring	Usually used to describe secretly holding or protecting something, often with a connotation of negativity, such as ill feelings or fugitives. He was harboring a fugitive in his basement She harbored resentment for many years
nurture	Used to describe taking care of and encouraging the growth or development of someone or something, often with a nurturing, positive connotation. Parents should nurture their children's talents She nurtured the plant until it bloomed
cherish	Employed to denote holding someone or something dear and valuing it greatly, often with a warm, positive connotation. I cherish the memories of our childhood They cherish their time together
conceal	Appropriate for indicating the action of intentionally hiding something or someone, usually to prevent discovery. Can be neutral or negative depending on the context. He tried to conceal his disappointment They concealed the evidence from the police

Examples of usage

She was harboring a secret desire to become an actress.
The suspect was harboring fugitives in his basement.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

sheltering

To provide a home or shelter for.

Synonyms

accommodate, house, shelter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
harboring	Used when talking about secretly keeping someone, usually with the connotation of protection or hiding. This often implies that the individual being harbored is in some type of danger or trouble. May have a negative connotation if it refers to hiding someone from justice. The family was accused of harboring a fugitive He was harboring feelings of resentment
shelter	Used when providing protection from danger or adverse conditions, often referring to a temporary or emergency situation. Can also be used metaphorically to describe giving someone safety or support. They sought shelter from the storm The charity works to shelter abandoned animals
house	Used when providing a place to live, generally referring to supplying permanent or temporary living quarters. It often refers to the physical location where someone stays. The government program aims to house the homeless The hurricane victims were housed in temporary shelters
accommodate	Appropriate when discussing providing a place for someone to stay, or making adjustments to meet someone's needs. This can be in various contexts, such as housing, events, or adjustments in plans. The hotel can accommodate up to 300 guests They are happy to accommodate special dietary requests

Examples of usage

The lighthouse was harboring a family of seagulls.
The organization is known for harboring homeless animals.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Old English 'herebeorg', which meant 'shelter or refuge'.
Originally, it referred to a place where ships dock, but it evolved to include the idea of keeping secret thoughts or feelings.
In Middle English, it was spelled 'herbergh', which reflected its ties to offering protection.

Psychology

Psychologically, harboring negative thoughts can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
People often harbor unexpressed feelings, which can affect relationships and mental health.
Releasing these thoughts can promote better emotional well-being and interpersonal connections.

Legal Context

In legal terms, harboring can refer to providing a place for someone to evade law enforcement.
For example, harboring a fugitive is a serious offense, indicating the responsibility of keeping someone hidden from the authorities.
This usage emphasizes the consequences of choosing to protect someone in a criminal context.

Literature

Harboring is often a theme in literature, symbolizing the internal struggles of characters who carry burdens.
Authors like Edgar Allan Poe frequently explored the idea of harboring dark secrets in their works.
The concept often represents conflict between one's inner desires and societal expectations.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures view harboring emotions uniquely, with some promoting open discussion while others value restraint.
In many Eastern cultures, harboring feelings can be a sign of strength, showing resilience in emotional hardships.
Conversely, Western cultures may encourage expressing feelings, arguing that sharing can lead to healing.

Translations

Translations of the word "harboring" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abrigar

🇮🇳 शरण देना

🇩🇪 beherbergen

🇮🇩 menyembunyikan

🇺🇦 давати притулок

🇵🇱 dawać schronienie

🇯🇵 かくまう

🇫🇷 abriter

🇪🇸 albergar

🇹🇷 barındırmak

🇰🇷 숨겨 주다

🇸🇦 إيواء

🇨🇿 poskytovat útočiště

🇸🇰 poskytovať útočisko

🇨🇳 庇护

🇸🇮 nuditi zavetje

🇮🇸 gefa skjól

🇰🇿 пана болу

🇬🇪 თავშესაფარის მიცემა

🇦🇿 sığınacaq vermək

🇲🇽 albergar

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,458, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22455 profiting
22456 radiometric
22457 narcissism
22458 harboring
22459 palpably
22460 productively
22461 coached
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