shelter
UK[ˈʃɛltə]US[ˈʃɛltər]
n
a structure that provides protection from danger or bad weather
n
the state of being protected from danger or bad weather
v
to provide a place of protection for someone or something
v
to take cover or find protection
Etymology
The word 'shelter' emerged in the late 16th century, its origin somewhat obscure but likely related to the Old English word 'scieldtruma', meaning a body of troops protected by shields ('scield' meaning shield and 'truma' meaning troop). The modern form was influenced by the Middle English 'scheltroun' or 'sheltron', denoting a phalanx or a protective formation. Over time, the military connotation faded, and the term generalized to mean any means of protection or a place offering safety. The logical evolution is from the literal, physical protection of a shield-wall to the abstract concept of a safe haven or refuge.
Analysis
The word 'shelter' is a simplex word of English origin. Its core morpheme is not productively divisible into smaller, meaningful substrings in modern English spelling.
Examples
The old barn provided shelter from the sudden storm.
They sought shelter in the underground station during the air raid.
Our organization works to shelter families who have lost their homes.