Harbour

/ˈhɑːrbər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A place on the coast where vessels may find shelter, particularly from rough water.

The ship anchored in the harbour to wait out the storm.

A place of refuge or safety.

The forest served as a harbour for wildlife seeking shelter from the hunters.

An area of water providing safe anchorage for ships.

The harbour was bustling with activity as boats came and went.

verb

To keep or hold in the mind; to nourish or maintain (an idea, feeling, etc.).

She continued to harbour doubts about the decision.

To provide shelter or refuge to someone or something.

The town decided to harbour the refugees during the crisis.

To conceal or protect something.

He was accused of harbouring a fugitive in his home.

From Middle English 'herberwe', from Old English 'herebeorg', meaning 'shelter, lodging'.

harbor a grudge

To keep resentment against someone.

safe harbor

A place of refuge or protection.

to harbor doubts

To hold feelings of uncertainty.

harborage

The act of harboring, or a place of shelter.

harbormaster

An official in charge of a port's operations.

To keep secret or hidden

He's been harboring a secret about his job.

To have a crush on someone

I think she harbors a thing for him.