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Meaning & use

to harbor

verb·Academic

Last updated

UK/tə ˈhɑːbə/
US/tə ˈhɑːrbər/

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive

    to keep a feeling or thought in your mind for a long time

    Grammar: Takes an object: harbor a grudge, harbor doubts.

    Patterns

    • harbor a grudge
    • harbor doubts
    • harbor resentment
    • harbor a secret

    He still harbors a grudge against his old boss.

    She began to harbor doubts about the plan.

    They harbored a secret hope that things would improve.

  2. verbtransitivelegal

    to give shelter or protection to someone, especially someone hiding from the law

    Grammar: Takes an object: harbor a criminal, harbor refugees.

    Patterns

    • harbor a criminal
    • harbor a fugitive
    • harbor someone from the police

    The family was accused of harboring a fugitive.

    It is a crime to harbor someone who is wanted by the police.

  3. verbtransitiveformal

    to contain or hold something, especially plants or animals

    Grammar: Often used in formal or scientific writing: The area harbors rare birds.

    Patterns

    • harbor wildlife
    • harbor bacteria
    • harbor a disease

    The lake harbors many kinds of fish.

    These old buildings harbor dangerous bacteria.

Word forms

third person singularharbors
past tenseharbored
past participleharbored
-ing formharboring

Common combinations

harbor a grudge
She has harbored a grudge against him for years.
harbor doubts
I still harbor doubts about his story.
harbor resentment
He harbored resentment toward his colleagues.
harbor a fugitive
They were arrested for harboring a fugitive.
harbor wildlife
The forest harbors a rich variety of wildlife.

Synonyms and how they differ

nurse
Used with feelings like anger or a grudge; it suggests keeping the feeling alive, while harbor is more neutral.
cherish
Used for positive feelings or hopes; harbor is often used for negative feelings or secrets.
shelter
Used for giving physical protection; harbor often implies hiding someone from the law.

Opposites

releaselet go

Word family

harbor noun
A sheltered area of water where boats can stay safely.
harborage noun
Shelter or a safe place, especially for ships.

Commonly confused: to harbor or harbour?

to harbor vs harbour

This is the British spelling of the same word. American English uses harbor.

Practice

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