Shelter Meaning
Shelter Definition & Usage
A structure or place that provides protection from weather, danger, or other forms of harm.
Examples
- "The homeless shelter offers a warm bed for those in need during the cold winter months."
- "After the storm, we sought shelter under the thick branches of an old oak tree."
- "The hikers found shelter in a cave when the heavy rain started."
- "The town built a new shelter for stray animals, providing food and care for them."
- "During the evacuation, they were directed to the nearest shelter for safety."
To provide protection or refuge to someone or something.
Examples
- "The large tree sheltered us from the intense afternoon sun."
- "The volunteers sheltered the refugees until they were safely relocated."
- "She sheltered the stray dog from the rain under her umbrella."
- "He sheltered his family from the storm by reinforcing the windows."
- "The mountain ridge shelters the town from strong winds and snow."
A sense of emotional or psychological safety and comfort.
Examples
- "Her friendship provided a shelter for him during difficult times."
- "The peaceful garden served as a mental shelter from the stresses of work."
- "In moments of anxiety, meditation became his shelter."
- "Books often act as a shelter for those looking to escape reality."
- "The supportive community served as a shelter for people in need."
Cultural Context
The word 'shelter' has its origins in Old English 'scyld', meaning protection. Historically, shelters were often rudimentary structures designed to offer safety and warmth. Today, the word is widely used to refer to both physical structures and abstract concepts of protection, especially in humanitarian and environmental contexts.
The Shelter in the Storm
Story
The Shelter in the Storm
It was a cold winter evening when Jane and her younger brother, Mark, found themselves stranded in the middle of the forest after their car broke down. The snowstorm had caught them by surprise, and soon, the visibility was reduced to almost nothing. The temperature dropped rapidly, and panic started to set in as they realized they were far from the nearest town. 'Look!' Mark shouted, pointing toward a faint outline in the distance. It was a small cabin, half-hidden behind a group of thick pines. Without hesitation, they made their way toward it, trudging through the deep snow. Inside, the warmth of a crackling fire greeted them. The cabin, though modest, felt like a true refuge. 'I knew we'd find shelter,' Jane whispered to herself as she helped Mark take off his wet clothes. The cabin, small and humble, provided not just a physical cover from the storm but also a sense of emotional calm. It was a sanctuary, away from the chaos of the world outside. The night passed quickly, as they sat near the fire, the crackling of the wood the only sound in the stillness of the forest. As they settled down for the night, Jane reflected on the meaning of shelter. It was not just the roof over their heads, but the peace of mind that came with knowing they were safe, with their basic needs met. It was a promise of survival in a world that often felt uncertain. The next morning, the storm had passed, and sunlight pierced through the trees. The shelter that had protected them the night before now stood as a symbol of both physical protection and emotional safety, a reminder of the importance of finding a refuge, whether in nature or in the relationships we build. As they set out to continue their journey, Jane knew that shelter wasn’t just about finding a place to sleep. It was about finding a space where you could feel protected, whether from the elements, the world, or even from your own fears and doubts. 'We were lucky,' she thought, 'but even more, we were safe.'
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