harbor

/'hɑ:bə/

Friendly

Word: Harbor

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Meaning 1: As a Noun

1. Literal Meaning: A harbor is a sheltered area of water where ships can dock safely. It is a place where boats and ships can load and unload cargo, or wait safely from storms.

   • Example: "The harbor was filled with fishing boats ready to set out to sea."

2. Figurative Meaning: A harbor can also refer to a place of safety, comfort, or refuge where someone feels secure.

   • Example: "Her home became a harbor for her friends during difficult times."

Meaning 2: As a Verb

1. To Hold Back: To harbor feelings means to keep feelings or thoughts inside without expressing them.

   • Example: "He is harboring a grudge against his colleague for not helping him."

2. To Shelter: It can also mean to secretly provide shelter to someone or something, like animals or fugitives.

   • Example: "The old cabin harbored a family of rabbits."

3. To Maintain Thoughts: To entertain or maintain a theory or idea.

   • Example: "She harbors the belief that everyone deserves a second chance."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "harbor" can refer to complex emotions or ideas that someone holds, often without expressing them outwardly. It can also be used in legal or political contexts, such as harboring a fugitive.

Word Variants

• Harboring (verb): The present participle form used when describing the action of keeping or sheltering.
• Harbored (verb): The past tense of harbor.

Different Meanings

• Nautical: In a nautical context, "harbor" specifically refers to the physical location for ships.
• Emotional Context: In an emotional context, it signifies holding onto feelings, whether positive or negative.

Synonyms

• For Noun: Port, haven, refuge, bay, dock.
• For Verb: Hold, maintain, shelter, conceal, keep.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "Harbor a hope": To keep a hope alive in your heart, even if it seems unlikely.
  • Example: "She continues to harbor a hope that she will find her lost dog."

Summary

"Harbor" can be used both as a noun and a verb, referring to a safe place for ships or people as well as the act of keeping feelings or ideas inside.

Academic

Noun

1. a place of refuge and comfort and security
2. a sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo

Verb

1. hold back a thought or feeling about
   • She is harboring a grudge against him
2. keep in one's possession; of animals
3. secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)
4. maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
   • bear a grudge
   • entertain interesting notions
   • harbor a resentment

Synonyms

• harbour
• seaport
• haven
• shield
• hold
• entertain
• nurse