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Harbouring: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿดโ€โ˜ ๏ธ
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harbouring

 

[ หˆhษ‘หbษ™rษชล‹ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

holding beliefs

Harbouring refers to the act of keeping or holding on to certain feelings, thoughts, or beliefs. It can imply a sense of custody over these internal states, often associated with negative connotations. For instance, one might harbour resentment or secrets, indicating they possess these emotions internally rather than expressing them. The term also suggests a protective aspect, as if one is sheltering these feelings from the outside world. This verb is frequently used to describe emotional states that can have long-lasting impacts on mental well-being.

Synonyms

holding, keeping, nurturing, sheltering

Examples of usage

  • He was harbouring a deep sense of bitterness towards his colleague.
  • She had been harbouring doubts about their relationship.
  • The suspect was accused of harbouring criminals.
Context #2 | Verb

providing refuge

Harbouring can also mean providing shelter or refuge to someone or something. This usage often pertains to the physical act of offering a safe haven, as in sheltering a person from danger or an animal seeking refuge. In maritime contexts, a harbour may also refer to the act of vessels seeking safety in a port. This indicates a protective role played by the individual or location previously referred to as the 'harbour.'

Synonyms

protecting, safeguarding, sheltering

Examples of usage

  • The village was known for harbouring war refugees.
  • The old warehouse was harbouring a family of stray cats.
  • Pirates often sought harbour in hidden coves.

Translations

Translations of the word "harbouring" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น abrigo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค†เคถเฅเคฐเคฏ เคฆเฅ‡เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Hafen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menampung

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะธั…ะธัั‚ะพะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ schronienie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ฟใ‘ใ‚‹ใ“ใจ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท abri

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ albergue

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท barฤฑndฤฑrma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ”ผ์‹ 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฅูŠูˆุงุก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pล™รญstav

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prรญstav

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ฟ้šพ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zatoฤiลกฤe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hafn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐัะฟะฐะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒ”แƒ—แƒ˜แƒšแƒ“แƒฆแƒ”แƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sฤฑฤŸฤฑnacaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ refugio

Word origin

The word 'harbouring' originates from the Old English term 'herebeorg', meaning 'shelter' or 'refuge'. Its roots are firmly planted in the Middle English 'herberge', which relates to a place of lodging or temporary residence. Over time, the term evolved to encompass not only physical shelters but also emotional and metaphorical contexts. By the late 14th century, it was commonly used to describe both the act of providing physical refuge, as well as the metaphorical sense of holding onto feelings or beliefs within oneself. The evolution of its usage reflects a growing understanding of psychological states related to keeping secrets or harboring ill feelings. As language continues to evolve, 'harbouring' has retained its association with both protection and possession, making it a versatile word in contemporary English.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,425, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.