shelter

shelter [shel′tər]

n.

[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)]

1. something that covers or protects; protection, or place affording protection, as from 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

vt.

to provide shelter or refuge for; protect

vi.

to find protection or refuge

shelterer

n.

shelterless

adj.

SYN.- SHELTER implies the protection of something that covers, as a roof or other structure that shields 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 ]; RETREAT implies retirement from that which threatens one's peace, and withdrawal to a safe, quiet, or secluded place [a country retreat]; ASYLUM is applied to a refuge where one is immune from seizure or harm, as because it is beyond 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 ]