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refuge

REF-yooj/ˈɹɛfjuːd͡ʒ/

Pluralrefuges

Verbrefuges, refuging, refuged

7 meanings of refuge

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable
    A safe place where you can go to escape danger or harm.

    Like a safe cave where animals hide from a storm.

    The hikers found a refuge from the storm in a small stone cabin.

    During the fighting, the old church became a refuge for frightened families.

    Similarshelter, sanctuary, haven, retreat, asylum

    Note
  2. 2
    noununcountable
    The feeling or state of being safe and protected from harm.

    Like the safe feeling you get hiding under a warm blanket.

    The thick walls gave them a sense of refuge during the storm.

    She felt at peace at last, finding refuge from the noisy, crowded city.

    Similarshelter, sanctuary, safety, protection, escape

    Oppositedanger, exposure

    Note
  3. 3
    nouncountable
    A person or thing you turn to for help or safety when in trouble.

    Like running to a friend who always knows how to help.

    Her older brother was always her refuge when things went wrong.

    For many people, music is a refuge during hard times.

    Similarrecourse, resort, comfort, support, solace

  4. 4
    nouncountable
    A trick or plan someone uses to keep themselves safe or protected.

    Like making up an excuse so you don't get in trouble.

    Lying became his usual refuge whenever he was caught.

    Blaming others is a common refuge for people who fear failure.

    Similardefense, shield, resort, expedient

    Note
  5. 5
    nouncountable
    A safe spot in the middle of a road where people can wait while crossing.

    Like a small safe island in the middle of a river of cars.

    She waited on the refuge until the second half of the road was clear.

    The city built a refuge in the middle of the busy street.

    Similarisland, median

  6. 6
    verbintransitive
    To go back to a safe, sheltered place.

    Every evening the monkeys refuge in the same tall trees by the river.

    After feeding on the beach, the crabs refuged under the rocks again.

    Similarshelter, roost, retreat

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 7
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To keep someone safe and give them shelter.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin refugium, made from re- and fugiō meaning "flee." It came into English through Old French.