shelter Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
  2. noun protective covering that provides protection from the weather
  3. noun the condition of being protected
    protection.
    • they were huddled together for protection
    • he enjoyed a sense of peace and protection in his new home
  4. noun a way of organizing business to reduce the taxes it must pay on current earnings
    tax shelter.
  5. noun temporary housing for homeless or displaced persons
  6. verb provide shelter for
    • After the earthquake, the government could not provide shelter for the thousands of homeless people
  7. verb invest (money) so that it is not taxable

WordNet

Shel"ter noun
Etymology
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, n.
Definitions
  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. 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. Young.
    Syn. -- Asylum; refuge; retreat; covert; sanctuary; protection; defense; security.
Shel"ter transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Sheltered ; present participle & verbal noun Sheltering
Definitions
  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. Dryden.
    You have no convents . . . in which such persons may be received and sheltered. 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. Prior.
  3. To betake to cover, or to a safe place; -- used reflexively.
    They sheltered themselves under a rock. Abp. Abbot.
Shel"ter intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To take shelter.
    There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat, Shelters in cool. Milton.

Webster 1913