bolthole

/ˈboʊltˌhoʊl/
noun
  1. A place where someone can escape to for safety, privacy, or relief from stress.
    • They bought a tiny apartment in the city as a bolthole for quick getaways.
    • The small cabin in the woods served as his bolthole whenever city life became overwhelming.
    • After a long week at work, she retreats to her quiet bolthole in the mountains.
  2. A hole or tunnel used by an animal as a hiding place or escape route.
    • The rabbit disappeared into its bolthole when it heard the fox approaching.
    • Mice often dig boltholes near the foundation of a house to hide from predators.
    • The groundhog's bolthole was hidden under a pile of leaves.
What does "bolthole" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean