A sheltered port where ships can anchor safely. Also used metaphorically to mean providing shelter or refuge for someone or something.
From Old English 'herebeorg' meaning 'army shelter', combining 'here' (army) and 'beorg' (protection). The maritime sense developed as coastal settlements provided safe anchorage for vessels.
Harbours represent humanity's eternal struggle with the sea - creating pockets of safety in hostile waters. The word's metaphorical use ('to harbour feelings' or 'harbour a fugitive') shows how we understand emotional and social protection through maritime imagery.
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