Definition

Noun: A structure, often built underground or partially underground, designed to protect people from bombs dropped by aircraft during an air attack. It is typically reinforced to withstand explosions and may be equipped with basic supplies for living.

Usage

The term "air-raid shelter" is used to describe a specific type of defensive structure from the historical context of aerial bombing campaigns, most notably during World War II. It refers to the physical place of refuge.

Examples

• During the Blitz, many London families spent nights in an air-raid shelter.
• The city constructed public air-raid shelters in subway stations.
• Their garden had a small, corrugated iron air-raid shelter.

Advanced Usage

• The concept can be used metaphorically to describe any place or measure offering protection from a sudden, overwhelming threat.
  • The strict financial regulations acted as an economic air-raid shelter during the crisis.

Variants and Related Words

• Bomb shelter: A more general term for a structure protecting against bombs, not exclusively from air raids.
• Fallout shelter: A shelter designed specifically for protection from radioactive fallout, associated with the Cold War era.
• Dugout: A rough shelter dug in the ground, which could serve as an improvised air-raid shelter.

Synonyms

• Bomb shelter
• Blitz shelter (context-specific to WWII)
• Refuge

Related Phrases

• To take shelter: The action of going into a shelter.
  • When the siren sounded, everyone ran to take shelter.
• Shelter from the air: A descriptive phrase for the purpose of an air-raid shelter.
  • The cellar was reinforced to provide shelter from the air.

Noun

1. a chamber (often underground) reinforced against bombing and provided with food and living facilities; used during air raids