shelter in place

American  

[shel-ter in pleys] / ˈʃɛl tər ɪn ˈpleɪs /

Or shelter-in-place

noun

1. an official order, issued during an emergency, that directs people to stay in the indoor place or building that they already occupy and not to leave unless absolutely necessary.

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verb (used without object)

1. to stay in a safe indoor place or building during an emergency.

   If police believe there is an active shooter on campus, they will order students and faculty to shelter in place.

Etymology

Origin of shelter in place

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Some Western embassy staff in Riyadh meanwhile were told to shelter in place, diplomatic sources said, following an attack on the US embassy compound earlier this week.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

The department posted on social media site X, instructing U.S. citizens to leave more than a dozen countries because of safety risks and to shelter in place until they are able to do so.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

She urged people to follow local advice, which in most countries was to shelter in place.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

He saw fire damage across the horizon and worried as local authorities warned people to shelter in place.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

The Department of State Consular Affairs urged American travelers in the country to shelter in place “until further notice,” in a statement on X.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026