<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>something beneath, behind, or within which a person, animal, or thing is protected from storms, missiles, adverse conditions, etc.; refuge.</li><li>a place of shelter, protection, or safety.</li><li>the protection or refuge afforded by such a thing.</li><li>protection from blame, incrimination, etc.</li><li>a dwelling place or home considered as a refuge from the elements.</li><li>a building serving as a temporary refuge or residence for abandoned animals, people who are homeless, etc.</li><li>a tax shelter.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to be a shelter for; afford shelter to.</li><li>to provide with a shelter; place under cover.</li><li>to protect, as by shelter; take under one's protection.</li><li>to invest (money) in a tax shelter.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to take shelter; find a refuge.</li></ul>