shelter
Noun · VerbOpen English WordNet
Noun (5)shelters
- a structure that provides privacy and protection from dangerType of structure, constructionKinds tent, hut, dugout, hovel, fallout shelter, haven, storm cellar, refuge, loft, cookhouse +3 more
- protective covering that provides protection from the weatherType of protective covering, protective coverKinds kennel, birdhouse, lean-to, canopy, bell cote, cote, roost, sconce, sentry box
- the condition of being protected“they were huddled together for protection”“he enjoyed a sense of peace and protection in his new home”Synonyms: protectionType of securityKinds radioprotection, indemnity
- a way of organizing business to reduce the taxes it must pay on current earningsSynonyms: tax shelterType of decrease, diminution
- temporary housing for homeless or displaced personsType of housing, lodgingKinds camp, refugee camp
Verb (2)shelters, sheltered, sheltering
- provide shelter for“After the earthquake, the government could not provide shelter for the thousands of homeless people”“during the rainstorm, we sheltered under a tree”More general supply, provideMore specific house, stable, harbor, kennel, stall
- invest (money) so that it is not taxableMore general invest, put
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: Cf. OE. scheltrun, shiltroun, schelltrome, scheldtrome, a guard, squadron, AS. scildtruma a troop of men with shields; scild shield + truma a band of men. See Shield, noun
1. That which covers or defends from injury or annoyance; a protection; a screen.
The sick and weak the healing plant shall aid, From storms a shelter, and from heat a shade.— Alexander Pope
2. One who protects; a guardian; a defender.
Thou [God] hast been a shelter for me.— Ps. lxi. 3.
3. The state of being covered and protected; protection; security.
Who into shelter takes their tender bloom.— Edward Young
Shelter tent,a small tent made of pieces of cotton duck arranged to button together. In field service the soldiers carry the pieces.
Synonyms: Asylum; refuge; retreat; covert; sanctuary; protection; defense; security.
1. To be a shelter for; to provide with a shelter; to cover from injury or annoyance; to shield; to protect.
Those ruins sheltered once his sacred head.— John Dryden
You have no convents... in which such persons may be received and sheltered.— Robert Southey
2. To screen or cover from notice; to disguise.
In vain I strove to cheek my growing flame, Or shelter passion under friendship's name.— Matthew Prior
3. To betake to cover, or to a safe place; — used reflexively.
They sheltered themselves under a rock.— Abp. George Abbot
To take shelter.
There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat, Shelters in cool.— John Milton
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54