shelter in place

or shel·ter-in-place

[ shel-ter in pleys ]

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.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shelter in place¹

First recorded in 1975–80