harboring

word · lemma: harbor

Definition

Holding a feeling, thought, or secret in your mind for a long time, or sheltering/protecting someone or something, especially secretly.

Usage & Nuances

Formally used in legal, narrative, and literary contexts. Common with words like 'harboring feelings', 'harboring a fugitive'. Refers both to emotions and to secretly protecting people or things. Not for physical harbors (ports for ships).

Example Sentences

She is harboring a secret from her friends.

basic

He was arrested for harboring a criminal.

basic

Are you harboring any anger toward her?

basic

She’s been harboring doubts about her job for months.

natural

They accused him of harboring fugitives from justice.

natural

Stop harboring so much resentment—it’s not helping you.

natural