bombshelter

A family enters the bombshelter during the air raid siren.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A protective structure: A bomb shelter is a room or building designed to provide protection against bombs and other explosive devices, typically during wartime or air raids. It is built to withstand blasts and falling debris.

Usage Examples

• (A safe place to hide from bombs.)
• (A reinforced underground room for protection.)

Advanced Usage

• "to take shelter in a bomb shelter": to seek safety in a bomb shelter during an attack.

  • When the sirens sounded, everyone took shelter in the bomb shelter. (They went inside for protection.)

• "bomb shelter mentality": a mindset of preparing for worst-case scenarios, often used metaphorically.

  • His bomb shelter mentality made him stockpile supplies even in peacetime. (A cautious, defensive attitude.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bombproof (adj): resistant to damage from bombs.

  • The bunker was bombproof and could survive a direct hit. (Designed to withstand explosions.)

• Shelter (n): a place giving temporary protection from danger.

  • They built a simple shelter from the rain. (A basic protective structure.)

Synonyms

• Bunker: a reinforced underground shelter, often military.
• Air-raid shelter: a shelter specifically for protection from air attacks.

Related Idioms

• "to go to ground": to hide or take shelter, similar to entering a bomb shelter.

  • When the fighting started, they went to ground in the bomb shelter. (They hid for safety.)

• "head for the hills": to flee to a safe place, often used figuratively.

  • When the storm came, we headed for the hills like a bomb shelter. (We sought high ground for safety.)