The phrase "takes shelter" is spelled with the IPA symbols /teɪks ˈʃɛltər/. The first sound, represented by /t/, is a voiceless alveolar stop. The next sound, /eɪ/, is a diphthong composed of the long vowel sound /e/ and the glide /ɪ/. The third and fourth sounds, /ks/, are represented by the consonant cluster x. Finally, the fifth and sixth sounds, /ˈʃɛltər/, are a combination of the voiceless postalveolar fricative /ʃ/ and the word "shelter" spelled using the standard English orthography.
Takes shelter is a phrase commonly used to describe the action of seeking refuge, protection, or cover from potential harm or adverse conditions. It refers to the act of finding a place that offers safety, security, and respite from external threats, such as severe weather, physical danger, or emotional distress.
When someone takes shelter, they typically move to or enter into a location that can provide them with a certain level of protection or comfort. This may include seeking shelter indoors during a storm, taking refuge in a designated safe area during a military conflict or natural disaster, or finding solace in a supportive environment during times of personal crisis or difficulty.
The act of taking shelter can also imply a sense of vulnerability or the recognition of one's need for assistance or sanctuary. It acknowledges that an individual or group is aware of the potential dangers or challenges they face and therefore actively seeks out a place of safety or support.
Taking shelter serves as a fundamental survival instinct and is ingrained in both human and animal behavior. It is a means of self-preservation and self-care, allowing individuals to shield themselves from harm and regain a sense of security until the situation improves or the threat subsides.
The phrase "takes shelter" consists of two components.
1. "Takes" is the third-person singular form of the verb "take", which comes from the Old English word "tacan". Its etymology can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*takaną".
2. "Shelter" derives from the Old English word "scielder" or "sceolde" which means "protection" or "shielding". It originated from the Proto-Germanic word "*skelduz", which also meant "shield".
When combined, "takes shelter" refers to the act of seeking or finding protection, refuge, or cover from adverse conditions, similar to finding safety beneath a shield.