haven
UK: ˈheɪv(ə)n | US: ˈheɪvən
n. a place of safety or refuge
n. a harbor or port for ships
The word "haven" traces back to Old English hæfen, meaning "port" or "harbor," derived from Proto-Germanic *hafną. It shares roots with Old Norse höfn and Dutch haven, all linked to the idea of a sheltered place by the sea. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to denote any safe refuge, reflecting the protective function of a harbor. The morpheme hav preserves the original sense of "sea" or "shelter," while -en acts as a noun-forming suffix.
The small island served as a haven for pirates in the 18th century.
After a long journey, the ship finally reached a safe haven.
The library was her quiet haven from the chaos of the city.
Wildlife reserves act as a haven for endangered species.
They transformed the attic into a cozy haven for creative work.