harbor

especially British, har·bour

[hahr-ber]

noun

1. a part of a body of water along the shore deep enough for anchoring a ship and so situated with respect to coastal features, whether natural or artificial, as to provide protection from winds, waves, and currents.

2. such a body of water having docks or port facilities.

3. any place of shelter or refuge.

   The old inn was a harbor for tired travelers.

   Synonyms: retreat, sanctuary, asylum

verb (used with object)

1. to give shelter to; offer refuge to.

   They harbored the refugees who streamed across the borders.

   Synonyms: lodge, protect

2. to conceal; hide.

   to harbor fugitives.

3. to keep or hold in the mind; maintain; entertain.

   to harbor suspicion.

4. to house or contain.

5. to shelter (a vessel), as in a harbor.

verb (used without object)

1. (of a vessel) to take shelter in a harbor.

Other Word Forms

• harborer noun
• harborless adjective
• harborous adjective
• unharbored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of harbor¹

before 1150; Middle English herber ( we ), herberge, Old English herebeorg lodgings, quarters ( here army + ( ge ) beorg refuge); cognate with German Herberge

Synonym Study

Harbor, haven, port indicate a shelter for ships. A harbor may be natural or artificially constructed or improved: a fine harbor on the eastern coast. A haven is usually a natural harbor that can be utilized by ships as a place of safety; the word is common in literary use: a haven in time of storm; a haven of refuge. A port is a harbor viewed especially in its commercial relations, though it is frequently applied in the meaning of harbor or haven also: a thriving port; any old port in a storm. See cherish.

Example Sentences

But the law also says this safe harbor “shall not bear adversely upon the consideration of” a provider’s defense against infringement liability.

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The impressive five-story abode, which is in the exclusive Pier Homes at the Harborview community, sits at the end of a pier and provides stunning views across the harbor.

Read more on MarketWatch

Germany’s North Sea and Baltic Sea harbors need work worth €15 billion, including €3 billion for dual-use upgrades such as dock reinforcements, according to the federation of German seaports.

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Investors, though, harbor doubts that On can withstand the economic challenges weighing on its rivals.

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Neighbors and authorities harassed her relatives for harboring her; she moved out to spare them further pain.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dock 
• inlet 
• pier 
• port 
• road 
• wharf