something beneath, behind, or within which a person, animal, or thing is protected from storms, missiles, adverse conditions, etc.; refuge.

the protection or refuge afforded by such a thing

He took shelter in a nearby barn.

protection from blame, incrimination, etc.

a dwelling place or home considered as a refuge from the elements

Everyone's basic needs are food, clothing, and shelter.

a building serving as a temporary refuge or residence for homeless persons, abandoned animals, etc.

Finance . tax shelter.

to be a shelter for; afford shelter to

The old barn sheltered him from the rain.

to provide with a shelter; place under cover.

to protect, as by shelter; take under one's protection

Parents should not try to shelter their children from normal childhood disappointments.

Finance . to invest (money) in a tax shelter.

to take shelter; find a refuge

He sheltered in a barn.

Finance . to invest money in a tax shelter.

verb

turn away , expose

noun

apartment , asylum , cave , condo , co-op , cover , covert , crib * , defense , den , digs , dwelling , guard , guardian , harbor , harborage , haven , hermitage , hide , hideaway , hideout , hole in the wall , home , homeplate , house , housing , hut , joint * , lodging , pad * , pen , port , preserve , protector , quarterage , rack , refuge , retirement , retreat , roof , roof over head , roost * , safety , sanctuary , screen , security , shack , shade , shadow , shed , shield , tent , tower , turf , umbrella , protection , hospice , hospital , bivouac , cove , covering , coverture , lee , sanctum

verb

chamber , conceal , cover , cover up , defend , enclose , guard , harbor , haven , hide , house , lodge , preserve , protect , roof , safeguard , screen , secure , shield , surround , take care of , take in , ward , watch over , abri , asylum , barn , burrow , camp , carport , cave , cote , cottage , covert , coverture , defense , den , disguise , dwelling , embosom , ensconce , fold , foxhole , garage , hangar , hideaway , hideout , hospice , hostel , housing , hovel , hut , lean to , lodging , port , protection , quarters , refuge , retreat , safety , sanctuary , security , shack , shade , shed , tent , trailer , trench , umbrella