har´bor|er

har|bor «HAHR buhr», noun, verb.

–n.

1. an area of deep water protected from wind and currents, forming a place of shelter for ships. A harbor may have loading and unloading facilities for passengers and cargo. »

Great ocean liners dock in the harbor of New York.

2. Figurative. any place of shelter: »

The child fled to the harbor of her father's arms. Where lies the final harbor, whence we unmoor no more? (Herman Melville).

SYNONYM(S): refuge.

–v.t.

1. to give shelter to; give a place to hide: »

The dog's shaggy hair harbors fleas.

2. Figurative. to have and keep in the mind: »

He harbored plans for revenge on his enemies. Don't harbor unkind thoughts.

SYNONYM(S): See syn. under cherish. (Cf. ↑cherish)

3. Obsolete. to lodge.

–v.i.

1. to take shelter or refuge.

2. (of an animal) to have its retreat. Also, especially British, harbour.

╂[Middle English herebeorg < Old English here army + beorg shelter]

–har´bor|er, noun.

–har´bor|less, adjective.

Synonym Study noun. 1 Harbor, port mean place of shelter for ships. Harbor emphasizes shelter, and applies to a protected body of water on a coast, where land or breakwaters shield against wind and heavy waves: »

Many yachts are in the harbor.

Port applies particularly to a harbor where commercial ships dock for loading and unloading: »

The ship arrived in port.