sanctuary
Sanctuary (noun) means a place of safety or refuge from danger or persecution. Example: “The refugees found sanctuary in a neighbouring country.”
How to use sanctuary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA safe, protected place — whether it shelters people, animals, or is simply a sacred part of a place of worship.
Word forms
sanctuaries plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The refugees found _____ in a neighbouring country.
Etymology
From Old French saintuaire, from Latin sanctus ("holy") — originally referring to any sacred, protected space.
Related words
Rhymes for sanctuary
See all rhymes for sanctuary →Frequently asked questions
What does “sanctuary” mean?
The word “sanctuary” means a place of safety or refuge from danger or persecution. In plain terms, a safe, protected place — whether it shelters people, animals, or is simply a sacred part of a place of worship.
How do you pronounce “sanctuary”?
“Sanctuary” is pronounced SANGKT-yoor-ree (/ˈsæŋkt͡ʃuˌɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “sanctuary” in a sentence?
Here is “sanctuary” used in a sentence: “The refugees found sanctuary in a neighbouring country.”
What part of speech is “sanctuary”?
“Sanctuary” is a noun.
Where does the word “sanctuary” come from?
The word “sanctuary” comes from Latin. From Old French saintuaire, from Latin sanctus ("holy") — originally referring to any sacred, protected space.
Is “sanctuary” a common word?
“Sanctuary” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sanctuary” have?
“Sanctuary” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a place of safety or refuge from danger or persecution.
What is the difference between a 'sanctuary' and a 'refuge'?
Both refer to a place of safety, and they often overlap. 'Refuge' stresses shelter from danger or hardship, while 'sanctuary' adds a stronger sense of protection where a person is safe from harm or pursuit, sometimes with a sacred or legal dimension.
What is the difference between a 'sanctuary' and an 'asylum'?
A 'sanctuary' is a place of safety or refuge in a general sense. 'Asylum' usually carries a legal or political meaning, as in seeking asylum in another country, and historically also referred to institutions for care, though that use is now dated.
What is a 'wildlife sanctuary'?
A wildlife sanctuary is an area set aside to protect animals and their natural habitat, often where hunting and development are restricted. Its purpose is to give wildlife a safe place to live and breed.
What is the 'sanctuary' in a church?
In a church or temple, the sanctuary is the sacred, central area around the altar. It is traditionally the most holy part of the building, set apart for worship.