n. A cover or defense from exposure, attack, injury, distress, annoyance, or the like; whatever shields or serves as a protection, as from the weather, attack, etc.; a place of protection: as, a shelter from the rain or wind; a shelter for the friendless.n. The protection or immunity from attack, exposure, distress, etc., afforded by a place or thing; refuge; asylum.n. Synonyms Screen, shield.n. Cover, covert, sanctuary, haven. See the verb.To protect from exposure, attack, injury, distress, or the like; afford cover or protection to; hence, to harbor: as, to shelter thieves.To place under cover or shelter; seek shelter or protection for; house; with a reflexive pronoun, to take refuge; betake one's self to cover or a safe place.Synonyms To Defend, Protect, etc. (see keep), shield, screen, shroud, house, ensconce, hide.To take shelter.