An abomb shelter is a fortified structure designed to protect individuals from the destructive effects of a nuclear blast. Synonyms for this term include fallout shelter, blast shelter, bombproof shelter, and nuclear shelter. Fallout shelter specifically refers to a structure designed to protect against radioactive fallout. Blast shelter refers to any type of shelter designed to protect against the shock and heat waves generated by a nuclear explosion. Bombproof shelter is a more general term that can refer to any type of shelter that provides protection against a bomb blast, including those caused by conventional explosives. Nuclear shelter is a more specific term that refers specifically to shelters designed to protect against the effects of a nuclear explosion.