harbor

n. a protected area of water next to the land where ships can stay safely.

n. a sheltered part of a body of water deep enough to provide anchorage for ships.

“The fishing boats returned to the harbor before the storm arrived.”

“The natural harbor provided a strategic advantage, allowing the fleet to remain protected from the Atlantic swells while undergoing essential repairs.”

American English

n. any place that gives you safety or protection from danger.

n. a place of shelter or refuge from external threats or harsh conditions.

“The small library was a quiet harbor for students during the busy exam week.”

“For many refugees, the community center served as a safe harbor where they could find legal advice and emotional support.”

American English · Literary

v. to keep a particular thought or feeling in your mind for a long time.

v. to maintain or persistently entertain a specific thought, emotion, or suspicion in one's mind.

“He did not harbor any bad feelings toward his former boss.”

“Despite the public apology, many citizens continued to harbor deep suspicions regarding the government's true motivations for the policy change.”

American English

v. to give a home or a secret place to stay to someone, especially someone the police are looking for.

v. to provide shelter or concealment to someone, frequently in a legal context involving a fugitive or criminal.

“It is a crime to harbor a criminal who is running from the law.”

“The defendant was charged with harboring a fugitive after the police discovered the suspect hiding in his basement for three weeks.”

American English · Formal