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Lair Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฆก
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lair

[leษ™r ]

Definitions

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?

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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?

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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

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Lairs are often depicted in stories as dark and mysterious places, like dragon caves in fantasy novels.
  • In children's stories, characters might venture into a monster's lair, highlighting bravery and adventure.

Mythology

  • In many myths, lairs are where legendary creatures, such as trolls and beasts, guard treasures or beloved items.
  • Folklore often describes heroes entering a lair to confront evil, emphasizing the lair's role as a challenge.

Wildlife

  • Many wild animals, like foxes and bears, use dens or lairs for shelter during harsh weather or for raising young.
  • Some predators utilize lairs to ambush prey, showcasing clever survival strategies in nature.

Pop Culture

  • In video games, characters often have lairs as bases for operations, such as villains in superhero stories.
  • Movies and cartoons frequently portray lairs as hidden spaces where the antagonists plot their schemes.

Origin of 'lair'

Main points about word origin

  • The word traces back to Old English 'leah,' which means a clearing in the woods used for a home.
  • In various languages, similar words imply shelter or hiding places, linking to the original sense of safety.

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.