lares
Definition
- Noun (plural; singular: ):
- Household gods: In ancient Roman religion, "lares" were guardian deities believed to protect the home, family, and household. They were often worshipped at a household shrine (lararium).
- Metaphorical use: The term can be used figuratively to refer to cherished household possessions or the protective spirit of a home.
Usage Examples
- (The lares were household gods.)
- (Figurative: cherished objects that protect the feeling of home.)
Advanced Usage
- "Lares and Penates": A fixed phrase combining "lares" with "penates" (another type of Roman household god). It refers collectively to the household gods or, figuratively, to one's cherished belongings and home comforts.
- The family packed their lares and penates before the long journey. (They packed their most treasured household items.)
Variants and Related Words
- Lar (noun, singular): one of the lares.
- The lar of this house was said to bring good fortune. (A single household god.)
- Lararium (noun): a small shrine in a Roman home where lares were worshipped.
- They placed fresh flowers at the lararium every morning. (The household shrine.)
Synonyms
- Household gods: deities specifically linked to the home.
- Guardian spirits: protective supernatural beings.
Related Idioms
- "To keep one's lares and penates": to maintain one's household possessions or traditions.
- Even in exile, he kept his lares and penates — a few books and family heirlooms. (He preserved his cherished belongings and sense of home.)