shelter-n; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: a physical structure that covers, protects

Commentary: SHELTER[+entity][+physical][+structure][+covering][+manmade/+natural] [+relation][+role][+protection][+structural]
NOTE: implies that X is a SHELTER, equates two things

Examples:
The London subways were used as bomb shelters during World War II.
John's deck shelter is stained redwood.
The overhanging branches of the big maple trees made a nice shelter from the sun.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 2

Sense Number 2: being in a protected state or condition

Commentary: SHELTER[+state][+protection][+abstract/+concrete]
NOTE: refers to being in a state of protection, not a physical structure
NOTE: implies someone/something gives SHELTER to Y (not two things equates as in Sense 1)

Examples:
The ship sought shelter from the storm in the protected bay.
The farmer gave the wounded soldier shelter from the enemy.
He had a happy childhood in the shelter of his parents' love.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 3: financial arrangement to reduce taxes

Commentary: SHELTER[+system][+arrangement][+financial][+tax][+reduction]

Examples:
He uses the small business as a tax shelter.
These types of real estate shelters are no longer legal under the new tax laws.
She set up trust funds for her grandchildren as a shelter against inheritance taxes.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4

Sense Number 4: temporary housing for homeless or displaced people, animals

Commentary: SHELTER[+entity][+institution][+housing][+temporary]
NOTE: a specialized, restricted use of Sense 1

Examples:
Bob volunteers in a local homeless shelter for veterans.
Mary got her kittens at a local no-kill animal shelter.
They set up shelters downtown for the hurricane victims.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5