Basic Details
Word: Harbor
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning:
As a noun: A place on the coast where ships can dock safely, protected from rough waters.
As a verb: To keep (a thought or feeling, typically negative) in one's mind secretly or to shelter someone (especially a criminal or fugitive).
Synonyms: (Noun) Port, dock, haven, marina
(Verb) Shelter, hide, conceal, nurture, entertain (a feeling)
Antonyms: (Noun) Open sea
(Verb) Expose, reveal, neglect, reject
Idioms and Phrases
- Harbor ill feelings: To hold onto negative emotions like anger or resentment.
Example: "She still harbors ill feelings toward her former friend."
- Safe harbor: A place of refuge or protection.
Example: "The foundation offered safe harbor to the refugees."
- Harbor a grudge: To continue feeling angry or upset with someone for a long time.
Example: "It's unhealthy to harbor a grudge for years."
Usage Examples
Example 1 (Noun): The ship returned to the harbor after a long journey.
Example 2 (Verb): He harbored deep resentment after being passed over for the promotion.
Example 3 (Verb): The villagers harbored the fugitive despite the danger.
Fun Fact
The word "harbor" originates from Old English *herebeorg*, meaning shelter or lodging for an army. Over time, it evolved to signify both a place for ships and a metaphorical place for emotions.
Famous Quote
"Do not harbor bitterness in your soul; it will poison your joy." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "harbor" mean as a verb?
a) To forget completely
b) To hold or shelter
c) To announce loudly
d) To open something
Answer: b) To hold or shelter
2. Which of the following is a synonym of "harbor" (verb)?
a) Reveal
b) Evacuate
c) Conceal
d) Broadcast
Answer: c) Conceal
3. What is the opposite of "harbor" (emotionally)?
a) Shelter
b) Expose
c) Hide
d) Keep
Answer: b) Expose
4. Which sentence uses "harbor" correctly?
a) We harbor the clothes in the basket.
b) They harbored hope even in the darkest times.
c) The animals harbor over the field.
d) I harbor my shoes under the bed.
Answer: b) They harbored hope even in the darkest times.
5. Identify the idiom that includes the word "harbor":
a) Harbor the storm
b) Harbor ill feelings
c) Harbor the tide
d) Harbor your luck
Answer: b) Harbor ill feelings
