As a noun, a harbor is a sheltered area of water where ships can stay safe. As a verb, to harbor means to give shelter to someone or to keep a feeling or thought in your mind.
From Old English “herebeorg,” meaning shelter or lodging, especially for an army. The meaning shifted toward safe places for ships as sea travel became more important.
The mental use—“harbor a grudge”—treats your mind like a safe harbor where feelings can anchor and stay. It’s a good reminder that some emotions live in us because we keep giving them a place to dock.
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