noun / verb
harbor
HAR-bur/ˈhɑrbər/
A sheltered place that keeps what enters it secure.
The fishing boats wait in the harbor during the storm.
Etymology
Middle English herberwe meant temporary quarters or lodgings. The nautical meaning treats a sheltered anchorage as lodging for ships, extending shelter from people to vessels.
In context
Here then is the ship as she stood in the harbor at Rio, loaded and ready for the long voyage home.
More examples
- We sail into the harbor before sunset.
- She refuses to harbor a fugitive in her home.
- He still harbors doubts about the plan.
Forms
harbor · harbors · harbored · harboring
Similar words
- anchorage
- Specifically a place to anchor boats, not necessarily sheltered.
- shelter
- Emphasizes protection from danger or weather, not ship anchorage.
- refuge
- Emphasizes escape from danger rather than a place for ships.