Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense shelters, present participle sheltering, past tense, past participle sheltered
1. countable noun
A shelter is a small building or covered place which is made to protect people from bad weather or danger.
The city's bomb shelters were being prepared for possible air raids.
...a bus shelter.
Synonyms: cover, screen, awning, shiel [Scottish] More Synonyms of shelter
2. uncountable noun
If a place provides shelter, it provides you with a place to stay or live, especially when you need protection from bad weather or danger.
The number of families seeking shelter rose by 17 percent.
Although horses do not generally mind the cold, shelter from rain and wind is important.
...the hut where they were given food and shelter.
Synonyms: protection, safety, refuge, cover More Synonyms of shelter
3. countable noun
A shelter is a building where homeless people can sleep and get food.
...a shelter for homeless women. [+ for]
Synonyms: refuge, haven, sanctuary, retreat More Synonyms of shelter
4. verb
If you shelter in a place, you stay there and are protected from bad weather or danger.
...a man sheltering in a doorway. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Twelve Cubans left the embassy after sheltering there for several days. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Synonyms: take shelter, hide, seek refuge, take cover More Synonyms of shelter
5. verb [usually passive]
If a place or thing is sheltered by something, it is protected by that thing from wind and rain.
...a wooden house, sheltered by a low pointed roof. [VERB-ed]
6. verb
If you shelter someone, usually someone who is being hunted by police or other people, you provide them with a place to stay or live.
A neighbor sheltered the boy for seven days. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: protect, shield, harbour, safeguard More Synonyms of shelter
7. See also sheltered
shelter in British English
(ˈʃɛltə)
noun
1.
something that provides cover or protection, as from weather or danger; place of refuge
2.
the protection afforded by such a cover; refuge
3.
the state of being sheltered
verb
4. (transitive)
to provide with or protect by a shelter
5. (intransitive)
to take cover, as from rain; find refuge
6. (transitive)
to act as a shelter for; take under one's protection
Derived forms
shelterer (ˈshelterer)
noun
shelterless (ˈshelterless)
adjective
Word origin
C16: of uncertain origin
shelter in American English
(ˈʃɛltər)
noun
1.
something that covers or protects; protection, or place affording protection, asfrom the elements or danger
2.
the state of being covered or protected; protection; refuge
3.
any of various places for providing food and lodging on a temporary or emergency basis, as one for the homeless or one for stray pets
verb transitive
4.
to provide shelter or refuge for; protect
verb intransitive
5.
to find protection or refuge
SYNONYMY NOTE: shelter implies the protection of something that covers, as a roof or other structure thatshields one from the elements or danger [to find shelter from the rain]; refuge suggests a place of safety that one flees to in escaping danger or difficulties [he sought political refuge in France]; UNRESOLVED CROSS REF implies retirement from that which threatens one's peace, and withdrawal to a safe,quiet, or secluded place [a country retreat]; UNRESOLVED CROSS REF is applied to a refuge where one is immune from seizure or harm, as because it isbeyond a particular legal jurisdiction [the convict sought asylum abroad]; a sanctuary is an asylum that has a sacred or inviolable character [the former right of sanctuary in churches]
Derived forms
shelterer (ˈshelterer)
noun
shelterless (ˈshelterless)
adjective
Word origin
prob. < ME scheltroun, earlier scheltrum < OE sceldtruma, lit., shield troop, body of men protected by interlocked shields < scield (see shield) + truma, an array, troop; akin to trum, strong: (see trim)
COBUILD Collocations
shelter
build a shelter
emergency shelter
makeshift shelter
seek shelter
temporary shelter
Examples of 'shelter' in a sentence
shelter
The ambassador sheltered in the building for two hours before returning to the embassy.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Islanders on the frontline hid in bomb shelters.
The Sun (2014)
Yet he always found friends to give him shelter and a place to teach.
Christianity Today (2000)
The ways in which food and shelter are obtained affects whether the other human needs are met.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
You can all hang out in the bus shelter together.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
You meet when you shelter from the rain.
The Sun (2008)
The school cycle sheds were taken over as air raid shelters.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
We provide shelter for women who have suffered domestic abuse.
The Sun (2015)
The common need for shelter is the basis of the housing problem.
Brown, Muriel & Payne Sarah Introduction to Social Administration in Britain (1990)
Researchers saw the traits while watching them find shelter and food.
The Sun (2015)
We hug the coastline in a vain attempt to seek shelter from the wind.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
That making shelter for human buildings is a noble activity.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
For five years my little one has slept in a bomb shelter.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Most of the occupants were brewery workers who on account of their early rising resented bitterly being told to take shelter.
Len Deighton Bomber
When they became trapped in the blaze, most tried to take cover beneath foil shelters.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Men shelter in pub doorways, smoking in the drizzle.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The home is one of only a few special needs shelters in a city of 12 million people.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He would need a warm dry shelter during bad weather, such as a greenhouse or utility area with a ultraviolet heat lamp.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
There were claims that government forces had sought to force their way into the city to shelter from Western air strikes in a residential area.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
In other languages
shelter
British English: shelter /ˈʃɛltə/ NOUN
A shelter is a small building or covered place which is made to protect people from bad weather or danger.
...a bus shelter.
American English: shelter
Arabic: مَلْجَأ
Brazilian Portuguese: abrigo
Chinese: 掩蔽处
Croatian: sklonište
Czech: přístřešek
Danish: ly
Dutch: schuilgelegenheid
European Spanish: cobijo
Finnish: suoja
French: abri
German: Obdach
Greek: καταφύγιο
Italian: rifugio
Japanese: 避難所
Korean: 대피소
Norwegian: ly
Polish: schronienie
European Portuguese: abrigo
Romanian: adăpost
Russian: убежище
Latin American Spanish: refugio
Swedish: skydd
Thai: ที่กำบัง
Turkish: barınak
Ukrainian: притулок
Vietnamese: nơi trú ẩn
British English: shelter VERB
person If you shelter in a place, you stay there and are protected from bad weather or danger.
...a man sheltering in a doorway.
American English: shelter
Brazilian Portuguese: abrigar-se
Chinese: 躲藏
European Spanish: refugiarse
French: s'abriter
German: sich unterstellen
Italian: ripararsi
Japanese: 避難する
Korean: 기거하다
European Portuguese: abrigar-se
Latin American Spanish: refugiarse
British English: shelter VERB
place If a place or thing is sheltered by something, it is protected by that thing from wind and rain.
...a wooden house, sheltered by a low pointed roof.
American English: shelter
Brazilian Portuguese: abrigar
Chinese: 遮蔽
European Spanish: proteger
French: abriter
German: schützen
Italian: riparare
Japanese: 雨風から守る
Korean: 피하다
European Portuguese: abrigar
Latin American Spanish: proteger
All related terms of 'shelter'
bus shelter
A bus shelter is a bus stop that has a roof and at least one open side.
tax shelter
A tax shelter is a way of arranging the finances of a business or a person so that they have to pay less tax.
bomb shelter
a shelter , usually underground , in which people take refuge from bomb attacks
night shelter
an organization that provides dormitory-style accommodation for homeless people at night , or the accommodation so provided
seek shelter
If a place provides shelter , it provides you with a place to stay or live, especially when you need protection from bad weather or danger .
shelter belt
a row of trees planted to protect an area from the wind
shelter tent
a military tent for two men
animal shelter
an establishment , esp. one supported by charitable contributions , that provides a temporary home for dogs , cats , and other animals that are offered for adoption
fallout shelter
a shelter designed to protect people from nuclear fallout
women's shelter
A women's shelter is a place where women can go for safety and protection , for example, if they feel threatened by violence .
Anderson shelter
a small prefabricated air-raid shelter of World War II consisting of an arch of corrugated metal and designed to be partly buried in people's gardens and covered with earth for protection
emergency shelter
A shelter is a small building or covered place which is made to protect people from bad weather or danger .
homeless shelter
a hostel for homeless people
makeshift shelter
A shelter is a small building or covered place which is made to protect people from bad weather or danger .
temporary shelter
A shelter is a small building or covered place which is made to protect people from bad weather or danger .
air-raid shelter
a structure, often located underground , that is designed to protect people during an air raid
build a shelter
A shelter is a small building or covered place which is made to protect people from bad weather or danger .
Chinese translation of 'shelter'
shelter
(ˈʃɛltəʳ)
n
(c) (= building)
(against bad weather) 遮蔽处(處) (zhēbìchù) (个(個), gè)
(against bombs) 防空洞 (fángkōngdòng)
(for homeless) 收容所 (shōuróngsuǒ)
(u) (= protection)[from rain]躲避 (duǒbì)
(from danger) 避难(難) (bìnàn)
vt
(= protect) (from wind and rain) 遮蔽 (zhēbì)
(= give lodging to)[fugitive]收容 (shōuróng)
vi
躲避 (duǒbì)
to take shelter (from sth)躲避(某事) (duǒbì (mǒushì))
1 (noun)
Definition
something that provides cover or protection from weather or danger
a bus shelter
Synonyms
cover
Put a polythene cover over it to protect it from dust.
screen
They put a screen in front of me.
awning
shiel (Scottish)
2 (noun)
Definition
the protection given by such a cover
the hut where they were given food and shelter
Synonyms
protection
Innocence is no protection from the evils in our society.
safety
the safety of your own home
refuge
They took refuge in a bomb shelter.
cover
There were barren wastes of field with no trees and no cover.
security
He could not remain long in a place of security.
defence
The land was flat, giving no scope for defence.
safeguarding
sanctuary
roof over your head
3 (noun)
Definition
something that provides cover or protection from weather or danger
a shelter for homeless women
Synonyms
refuge
We climbed up a winding track towards a mountain refuge.
haven
a real haven at the end of a busy working day
sanctuary
Some of them have sought sanctuary in the church.
retreat
He spent yesterday in his country retreat.
asylum
They applied for asylum after fleeing their home country.
safe haven
a safe haven for terrorists
safe house
1 (verb)
Definition
to provide with a place to live or a hiding place
a man sheltering in a doorway
Synonyms
take shelter
hide
The compound was hidden by trees and shrubs.
seek refuge
take cover
seek protection
2 (verb)
Definition
to provide with a place to live or a hiding place
A neighbour sheltered the boy for seven days.
Synonyms
protect
He vowed to protect them.
shield
He shielded his head from the sun with an old sack.
harbour
harbouring terrorist suspects
safeguard
international action to safeguard the ozone layer
cover
You make a run for it and I'll cover you.
save
She could have saved him from this final disaster.
hide
guard
Sentries guarded the entrance to the building.
defend
They defended themselves against some thugs.
take in
keep safe
keep from harm
Opposites
risk
,
expose
,
endanger
,
leave open
,
imperil
,
lay open
,
make vulnerable
Additional synonyms
in the sense of asylum
Definition
refuge granted to a political refugee from a foreign country
They applied for asylum after fleeing their home country.
Synonyms
refuge,
security,
haven,
safety,
protection,
preserve,
shelter,
retreat,
harbour,
sanctuary
in the sense of defence
Definition
something that provides such resistance
The land was flat, giving no scope for defence.
Synonyms
protection,
cover,
security,
guard,
shelter,
refuge,
resistance,
safeguard,
immunity
in the sense of defend
Definition
to protect from harm or danger
They defended themselves against some thugs.
Synonyms
protect,
cover,
guard,
screen,
secure,
preserve,
look after,
shelter,
shield,
harbour,
safeguard,
fortify,
ward off,
watch over,
stick up for (informal),
keep safe,
give sanctuary
Synonyms of 'shelter'
shelter
Explore 'shelter' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of guard
Definition
to take precautions
Sentries guarded the entrance to the building.
Synonyms
protect,
watch,
defend,
secure,
police,
mind,
cover,
screen,
preserve,
shelter,
shield,
patrol,
oversee,
safeguard,
watch over
in the sense of harbour
Definition
to give shelter or protection to
harbouring terrorist suspects
Synonyms
shelter,
protect,
hide,
relieve,
lodge,
shield,
conceal,
secrete,
provide refuge,
give asylum to
in the sense of haven
Definition
a place of safety
a real haven at the end of a busy working day
Synonyms
sanctuary,
shelter,
retreat,
asylum,
refuge,
oasis,
sanctum
in the sense of hide
Definition
to obscure or cover (something) from view
The compound was hidden by trees and shrubs.
Synonyms
obscure,
cover,
screen,
bury,
shelter,
mask,
disguise,
conceal,
eclipse,
veil,
cloak,
shroud,
camouflage,
blot out
in the sense of retreat
Definition
a place to which one may retire, esp. for religious contemplation
He spent yesterday in his country retreat.
Synonyms
refuge,
haven,
resort,
retirement,
shelter,
haunt,
asylum,
privacy,
den,
sanctuary,
hideaway,
seclusion
in the sense of safe haven
a safe haven for terrorists
Synonyms
refuge,
security,
haven,
protection,
resort,
shelter,
retreat,
harbour,
asylum,
sanctuary,
hide-out,
bolt hole
in the sense of safeguard
Definition
to protect (something) from being harmed or destroyed
international action to safeguard the ozone layer
Synonyms
protect,
guard,
defend,
save,
screen,
secure,
preserve,
look after,
shield,
watch over,
keep safe
in the sense of safety
Definition
shelter
the safety of your own home
Synonyms
shelter,
haven,
protection,
cover,
retreat,
asylum,
refuge,
sanctuary
in the sense of sanctuary
Definition
refuge or safety
Some of them have sought sanctuary in the church.
Synonyms
protection,
shelter,
refuge,
haven,
retreat,
asylum
in the sense of save
Definition
to rescue or preserve (a person or thing) from danger or harm
She could have saved him from this final disaster.
Synonyms
rescue,
free,
release,
deliver,
recover,
get out,
liberate,
salvage,
redeem,
bail out,
come to someone's rescue,
set free,
save the life of,
extricate,
save someone's bacon (British, informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of screen
Definition
a light movable frame, panel, or partition used to shelter, divide, or conceal
They put a screen in front of me.
Synonyms
cover,
guard,
shade,
shelter,
shield,
hedge,
partition,
cloak,
mantle,
shroud,
canopy,
awning,
concealment,
room divider
in the sense of security
Definition
the state of being free from danger, damage, or worry
He could not remain long in a place of security.
Synonyms
protection,
cover,
safety,
retreat,
asylum,
custody,
refuge,
sanctuary,
immunity,
preservation,
safekeeping
in the sense of shield
Definition
to protect, hide, or defend (someone or something) from danger or harm
He shielded his head from the sun with an old sack.