shelter Definition
- 1a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger
- 2an establishment that provides a home for homeless people, orphans, or animals
- 3protective covering or structure providing protection from enemy fire or from the weather
Using shelter: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shelter" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The campers took shelter under the trees during the rainstorm.
Example
The animal shelter is always looking for volunteers to help care for the animals.
Example
The soldiers found shelter in a nearby cave during the attack.
shelter Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using shelter
under someone's sheltering wing
under someone's protection or care
Example
The young artist was taken under the sheltering wing of a famous painter.
Example
Growing up in a wealthy family, she led a sheltered life and was not prepared for the realities of the working world.
Example
The support of her friends provided shelter from the storm of her recent breakup.
Phrases with shelter
Example
We need to take shelter before the storm hits.
to stay indoors and take immediate shelter during an emergency, such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack
Example
The school went into lockdown and students were told to shelter in place until the police arrived.
women's shelter
a safe place for women who are victims of domestic violence or abuse
Example
She was able to escape her abusive partner and find refuge at a women's shelter.
Origins of shelter
from Old English 'sceald', meaning 'shallow' or 'covered'
Summary: shelter in Brief
The term 'shelter' [ˈʃɛltər] refers to a place of protection from danger or bad weather. It can be a temporary or permanent establishment that provides refuge for homeless people, animals, orphans, etc. The phrase 'take shelter' means to find a place of safety, while 'shelter in place' means to stay indoors during an emergency. Idioms like 'under someone's sheltering wing' and 'shelter from the storm' denote protection and refuge from difficult situations.
