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Sheltering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sheltering

[ˈʃɛltərɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

protection

Providing a safe place or protection from danger, harm, or unpleasant conditions.

Synonyms

harboring, protecting, shielding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sheltering

Used when providing a safe or protective place, both physically and emotionally.

  • During the storm, the villagers were sheltering in the community center
  • She's sheltering her emotions from others
protecting

Used when keeping someone or something safe from harm or danger.

  • The mother bird was protecting her nest from predators
  • He was protecting his friend from bullies at school
shielding

Used when defending or guarding against a specific threat or danger, often physical.

  • She was shielding her eyes from the bright sunlight
  • The umbrella was shielding them from the rain
harboring

Generally used for secretly giving refuge, especially in a negative sense or related to illegal activities.

  • The authorities accused him of harboring fugitives
  • She was harboring feelings of resentment

Examples of usage

  • She was sheltering from the rain under a tree.
  • The refugees were sheltering in a makeshift camp.
  • The dog was found sheltering in an abandoned building.
Context #2 | Noun

architecture

A structure that provides cover or protection, such as a building or tent.

Synonyms

accommodation, haven, refuge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sheltering

Used mainly when referring to the act of providing protection from danger, weather, or harm. It implies an ongoing action and responsibility.

  • The family was sheltering the stray dogs from the storm
  • We spent the night sheltering under a bridge during the heavy rain
refuge

Implies a place of safety from danger, persecution, or trouble. It’s often used in a serious or dire context.

  • The refugees sought refuge in a neighboring country after fleeing the war
  • The park served as a refuge for many displaced wildlife
haven

Often used poetically or metaphorically to signify a safe and peaceful place. Conveys a sense of tranquility and relief.

  • The small village was a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city
  • After a long day at work, her home was her haven
accommodation

Commonly refers to a place to stay or live, especially for a short period, such as during travel. It often denotes facilities provided for comfort.

  • The hotel accommodation was both comfortable and affordable
  • They offered accommodation to guests stranded due to the snowstorm

Examples of usage

  • The homeless sought shelter in the city's shelters.
  • The storm destroyed many of the coastal shelters.
  • The mountain climbers built a shelter to protect themselves from the elements.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Providing shelter can have psychological benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety by creating a safe space.
  • In psychological terms, the concept of 'sheltering' can relate to emotional support, representing a safe haven for individuals in distress.
  • Shelters for the homeless and abused offer not just physical protection but also emotional recovery and support.

Architecture

  • In architecture, sheltering involves designing buildings that protect inhabitants from external elements, like weather.
  • Sustainable architecture often focuses on creating efficient shelters that maintain comfort while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Building shelters in different cultures can reflect local climates and materials, showcasing unique architectural styles.

Cultural Practices

  • Many indigenous cultures have deep traditions of sheltering, showcasing communal living and shared responsibilities.
  • During festivals, people often create temporary shelters, reflecting community bonding and safety in numbers.
  • In times of crisis, communities come together to provide shelter and safety for those in need, illustrating human solidarity.

Science

  • In biology, some species use natural structures as shelter, such as burrows or nests to protect themselves and their young.
  • The study of animal shelters contributes to understanding ecosystem balance and species survival.
  • Certain plants provide shelter to animals, forming symbiotic relationships where both thrive.

Origin of 'sheltering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English term 'scealdra' meaning a cover or protection from weather.
  • It formed from combining 'shelter' with the suffix '-ing' to describe the action of providing that cover.
  • Related words in other languages also denote protection, such as 'abri' in French, meaning a shelter.

The word 'sheltering' originates from the Old English word 'scield', meaning 'a covering, shield'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass the concept of providing protection or cover from danger or unpleasant conditions. The verb form 'sheltering' emerged to describe the act of providing shelter, while the noun form refers to the structures or places that offer protection. The idea of sheltering has been a fundamental aspect of human survival throughout history, with various forms of shelters being used by different cultures around the world.

See also: shelter, sheltered, unsheltered.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,337, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.