Lair: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆก
Add to dictionary

lair

 

[ leษ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal habitat

A lair is a den or shelter used by a wild animal.

Synonyms

burrow, den, shelter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
lair

Used to describe a secret or secluded hiding place, often with a negative or sinister connotation. It is commonly associated with villains or wild animals.

  • The villain's lair was hidden deep within the forest.
  • The adventurers discovered the dragon's lair inside the cave.
den

Describes the living space of wild animals, typically larger predators like lions, wolves, and bears. It can also refer to a cozy, private room in a house.

  • The wolf returned to its den after a successful hunt.
  • He retreated to his den to read a book and relax.
shelter

A broad term for a place that offers protection and security from the elements or danger. It can refer to natural shelters like caves or man-made ones like houses and emergency shelters.

  • We found shelter from the storm under a rock overhang.
  • The charity provides shelter for homeless families.
burrow

Refers to a hole or tunnel dug by a small animal, such as a rabbit or mole. It describes a natural underground home for these creatures.

  • The rabbit disappeared quickly into its burrow.
  • Field mice often make their burrows under the roots of trees.

Examples of usage

  • The bear made a lair in the cave.
  • The wolf's lair was hidden deep in the forest.
Context #2 | Noun

criminal hideout

A lair can also refer to a secret base or hideout used by criminals or villains.

Synonyms

base, hideout, lodge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
lair

Used to describe a secret or hidden place, often associated with wild animals, villains, or evil characters.

  • The villain retreated to his dark lair to plot his next move.
  • The lion dragged its prey into its lair deep in the jungle.
hideout

Usually describes a secret place where someone can hide, often used for fugitives or people avoiding detection. This can have a somewhat negative connotation.

  • The thieves were finally tracked down to their hideout.
  • They used the cabin in the woods as a hideout while on the run.
base

Typically refers to a central place of operations for an organization, especially military or business contexts.

  • The troops returned to their base after the mission.
  • The companyโ€™s main base of operations is in New York.
lodge

Refers to a small house or cabin, often in a rural or forested area, typically used for holidays or by members of a hunting club.

  • We stayed in a cozy mountain lodge for the weekend.
  • The hunters gathered at the lodge before setting out.

Examples of usage

  • The thieves planned their heist in a hidden lair.
  • The supervillain's lair was equipped with high-tech gadgets.

Translations

Translations of the word "lair" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น covil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅเคซเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Versteck

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sarang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปั–ะณะฒะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kryjรณwka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้š ใ‚Œๅฎถ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท repaire

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ guarida

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ini

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์€์‹ ์ฒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูˆูƒุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ skrรฝลก

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ skrรฝลกa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅทข็ฉด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ brlog

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hreiรฐur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฑั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒคแƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yuva

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ guarida

Etymology

The word 'lair' originated from Middle English 'leir' which came from Old English 'leger' meaning 'a bed, couch, resting place'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the resting place or den of a wild animal. In modern usage, 'lair' can also have a figurative meaning of a secretive or hidden base, especially in the context of criminals or villains.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,930, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.