harbor
/ˈhɑː.bər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhɑːr.bɚ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhär-bər/ (ame, mw)
harbor — noun
- harborsingular
- harborsplural
1. a protected area of water next to land where ships and boats can stay safely, es
a protected area of water next to land where ships and boats can stay safely, especially when the weather is bad or when goods are being moved on or off the ship.
After the storm warning, the fishing boats returned to the harbor before dark.
collocation: return to the harbor
The small harbor in Galway can hold about twenty fishing boats at once.
Vinícius watched the cargo ships unload their containers at the busy harbor.
When thick fog covered the harbor, the ferry captain decided to wait until morning.
The old harbor was once the busiest on the coast before the new port opened.
文法句型
the + harbor
a + harbor
harbor + proper noun
用法筆記
Frequently used with a definite article (the harbor) when referring to a specific harbor in a town or city. In place names, 'Harbor' often appears without an article, as in 'Pearl Harbor' or 'Bar Harbor.' The British spelling is 'harbour.'
2. a place, situation, or person that makes you feel safe, protected, and free from
a place, situation, or person that makes you feel safe, protected, and free from worry or danger.
For lost and injured pets, the animal shelter was a safe harbor from the streets.
collocation: safe harbor (metaphorical)
Élise found the library was a quiet harbor away from the city noise.
After years of moving around, the beach town became a harbor of peace for Rafael.
Grandma's kitchen was always a harbor of warmth and comfort for the children.
- danger zone
an area or situation where you are at risk of harm
文法句型
a harbor of + noun
harbor + from + noun
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used with a modifier (a safe harbor, a quiet harbor, a harbor of peace) to describe what kind of safety or comfort is offered. It is more common in writing than in everyday conversation.
harbor — verb
- harborpresent simple I / you / we / they
- harbors3rd person singular
- harboring-ing form
- harboredpast simple
1. to protect and keep someone in a safe place, especially when they are escaping f
to protect and keep someone in a safe place, especially when they are escaping from danger or being chased by the authorities.
The family agreed to harbor the refugees in their farmhouse during the winter.
harbor + refugees — sheltering people
It is against the law to harbor a criminal who is running from the police.
legal context: harbor a criminal
Leo's grandmother once harbored a wounded soldier during the war.
The villagers decided to harbor the escaped prisoners even though it was dangerous.
Amira's neighbors harbored her family when the flood destroyed their home.
文法句型
harbor + someone
harbor + noun phrase
用法筆記
When used about helping someone avoid the police, this verb carries a negative legal meaning — harboring a criminal is a crime in many countries. However, when used about protecting people from danger or disaster, the meaning is positive.
常見錯誤
2. to provide a natural living space or environment for animals, plants, or other l
to provide a natural living space or environment for animals, plants, or other living things.
The old barn harbors a family of owls that hunt in the fields at night.
harbor + animal species — natural habitat
The pond behind the school harbors several types of frogs and small fish.
This forest harbors more kinds of birds than any other area in the state.
Damp places in the house can harbor mold and other harmful germs.
文法句型
harbor + living thing
harbor + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense is common in scientific and environmental writing. It can describe both positive habitats (a forest harboring wildlife) and negative ones (a dirty kitchen harboring bacteria).
3. to hold a particular thought, emotion, or belief inside yourself for a long time
to hold a particular thought, emotion, or belief inside yourself for a long time, often without showing it to other people.
For years, William harbored a secret hope that his brother would return.
harbor + hope — private feeling
Rafael harbored no anger toward his sister even after their big argument.
negative: harbor no + emotion
The detective harbored a strong suspicion that the witness was lying.
Salma had harbored a deep fear of flying ever since the plane accident.
After the landlord refused to fix the heater, Reema harbored a deep resentment all winter.
文法句型
harbor + feeling/thought/belief
harbor + no + noun
用法筆記
This sense is typically used with emotions or thoughts that are held over a period of time, not briefly passing feelings. It often implies that the person does not express what they are feeling openly. Common in formal writing and literature.