haven

/ˈheɪvən/

/ˈheɪvɪn/

Other forms: havens

Need to find shelter, from the weather or from other troubles? Then you need a haven.

Haven looks a lot like heaven, and the words have quite a bit in common. A haven isn't necessarily as wonderful as heaven is supposed to be, but it is a good place to find when you're in trouble or someone is after you. This word often appears in the phrase "safe haven," which is a good reminder of its meaning. A haven is a safe place, and people who are in trouble tend to seek havens.

Definitions of haven

1. noun

   a sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo
   synonyms: harbor, harbour, seaport

   examples:

   Caesarea

   an ancient seaport in northwestern Israel; an important Roman city in ancient Palestine

   Pearl Harbor

   a harbor on Oahu to the west of Honolulu; location of a United States naval base that was attacked by the Japanese on 7 Dec 1941

   Boston Harbor

   the seaport at Boston

   types:

   coaling station

   a seaport where ships can take on supplies of coal

   port of call

   any port where a ship stops except its home port

   type of:

   port

   a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
2. noun

   a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary
   synonyms: oasis

   type of:

   shelter

   a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger