harbor
harbor Lexical Profile
harbor Game Scores & Validity
• noun
American A sheltered body of water along a coast, river, or lake, either natural or artificial, deep enough for ships and boats to anchor safely away from high winds, waves, and currents.
"Several fishing boats returned to the harbor before the evening storm arrived."
American A place of safety, shelter, comfort, or refuge from danger or hardship.
"The community center served as a quiet harbor for students seeking a safe place to study."
• verb
American To keep or hold a thought, feeling, doubt, or resentment privately in one's mind over a long period.
"She refused to harbor any resentment toward her former business partner after the company closed."
American To give shelter, refuge, or hiding to someone or something (especially a fugitive, criminal, or unwanted organism).
"Old decaying logs in the forest floor harbor a wide variety of beetles and fungi."
American To anchor or come to shelter in a harbor (of a ship or boat).
"The tall ships will harbor in the bay for the duration of the maritime festival."
Word Nuance & Usage
Spelled 'harbor' in American English and 'harbour' in British and Commonwealth English. As a verb referring to emotions or thoughts, 'harbor' almost exclusively collocates with negative or secretive nouns (such as 'harbor a grudge', 'harbor doubts', or 'harbor suspicions').
• Rhymes for harbor
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'herebeorg', meaning 'quarters, lodging, or shelter for an army', formed from 'here' (army, host) and 'beorg' (refuge, protection).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.