shelter
UK: ˈʃeltə | US: ˈʃeltər
n. a place giving temporary protection from danger or hardship
n. a structure providing cover from weather or danger
vt. to provide refuge or protection
The word "shelter" traces back to Old English scieldtruma, combining "shield" (scield) and "cover" (truma). Over time, it evolved through Middle English sheltron (a military formation for protection) and eventually simplified to "shelter" in Modern English, retaining its core meaning of refuge or shielding from harm. The morpheme "shelt" preserves the original protective connotation, while "-er" solidifies its function as a noun.
The Red Cross set up a shelter for flood victims.
Trees provide natural shelter from the sun.
She sheltered the stray cat from the storm.
The bunker was designed to shelter people during emergencies.
They sought shelter in a nearby cave.