noun

sanctuary

sanctuary, refuge, reserve

The refugees found sanctuary in the church.

The refugees found sanctuary in the church.

This is a sanctuary for endangered birds.

This is a sanctuary for endangered birds.

((a sanctuary)) for sb./sth. a safe place for sb./sth. This is a sanctuary for birds.

to seek/find ((sanctuary)) to look for/get to a safe place. They sought sanctuary from the war.

Synonyms: refuge, haven, shelter, reserve, shrine

From Latin 'sanctuarium' (a holy place), which comes from 'sanctus' (holy).

Imagine a 'saint's' place. It's a holy place, and therefore a safe place for those seeking help.

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