Shelter: meaning, definitions and examples

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shelter

 

[ ˈʃɛltər ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

place for protection

A shelter is a place that provides protection from the weather or danger.

Synonyms

haven, refuge, sanctuary

Examples of usage

  • The homeless people took shelter under the bridge during the storm.
  • The animal shelter takes care of stray dogs and cats.
  • We found shelter in a cave during the hiking trip.
Context #2 | Verb

provide refuge

To shelter means to provide a place of protection or refuge.

Synonyms

harbor, protect, shield

Examples of usage

  • The kind family sheltered the refugees in their home.
  • The tree sheltered us from the rain.

Translations

Translations of the word "shelter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abrigo

🇮🇳 आश्रय

🇩🇪 Unterkunft

🇮🇩 tempat berlindung

🇺🇦 притулок

🇵🇱 schronienie

🇯🇵 避難所

🇫🇷 abri

🇪🇸 refugio

🇹🇷 sığınak

🇰🇷 피난처

🇸🇦 ملجأ

🇨🇿 útočiště

🇸🇰 útulok

🇨🇳 避难所

🇸🇮 zavetišče

🇮🇸 skjól

🇰🇿 баспана

🇬🇪 თავშესაფარი

🇦🇿 sığınacaq

🇲🇽 refugio

Word origin

The word 'shelter' originated from the Old English word 'scield', meaning protection or cover. Over time, the word evolved to 'scheltrum' in Middle English before becoming 'shelter' in modern English. The concept of providing protection or refuge has been essential throughout history, leading to the widespread use of the word in various contexts.

See also: sheltered, sheltering, unsheltered.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,380, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.