Definition of: shelter

(shel′tər) v.t.
To provide protection or shelter for; shield, as from danger or inclement weather.
—v.i. To take shelter.
—noun
1. That which covers or shields from exposure or danger; a place of safety.
2. The state of being sheltered or protected.
3. A cover from the weather, as a box for meteorological instruments, etc.
4. One who protects; a guardian. [Appar. alter. of ME scheltrum <OE scēld–truma, a body of men armed with shields, phalanx, protection]
—shel′ter·er noun
—shel′ter·less adjective Synonyms (verb): cover, defend, guard, harbor, protect, screen, shield, ward. To cover generally means to extend completely over something; a vessel is covered with a lid; the head is covered with hair. To shelter is to cover so as to protect from injury or annoyance; as, The roof shelters from the storm. To defend implies the actual, protect implies the possible use of force or resisting power; guard implies sustained vigilance with readiness for conflict. Protect is more complete than guard or defend; an object may be faithfully guarded or bravely defended in vain, but that which is protected is secure. See CHERISH. Compare synonyms for DEFENSE. Antonyms: betray, expel, expose, refuse, reject, surrender. Synonyms (noun): asylum, cover, covert, defense, harbor, haven, protection, refuge, retreat, sanctuary, shield. See DEFENSE. Antonyms: assault, attack, danger, exposure, onslaught, peril.