shelter

Meanings

Noun

• A refuge, haven or other cover or protection from something.
• An institution that provides temporary housing for homeless people, battered women etc.

Verb

• To provide cover from damage or harassment; to shield; to protect.
• To take cover.

Origin

• From Middle English sheltron, sheldtrume, from Old English sċildtruma, sċyldtruma, from sċyld, sċield + truma. Cognate with Scots schilthrum, schiltrum. More at shield, and Old English trymman, from trum at trim.