Definition

1. 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.)