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Shelter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shelter

[ˈʃɛltər ]

Definitions

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

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

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • Shelters can range from simple structures like tents to complex buildings designed for security and comfort.
  • Some indigenous cultures build temporary shelters using natural materials that blend with their environment.

Social Issues

  • Homeless shelters provide temporary accommodation for those in need, focusing on safety and basic needs.
  • Many organizations work to create safe havens for victims of violence or disasters, emphasizing the importance of security.

Environmental Science

  • Natural shelters, such as caves and forests, offer habitats for wildlife and play a crucial role in ecosystems.
  • Garden shelters created by plants can reduce wind exposure for smaller species and promote biodiversity.

Pop Culture

  • In many survival movies, characters must find or build their own shelters to survive in the wild.
  • The song 'A House is Not a Home' emphasizes that true shelter is not just about roofs over our heads, but love and safety.

Origin of 'shelter'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'scealt,' meaning 'to protect or cover.'
  • Originally, it referred to any structure providing protection from the elements.

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.