sanctuary

noun

USSANGK-choo-air-ee/ˈsæŋkt͡ʃuˌɛɹi/UKSANGK-tyoo-uh-ree/ˈsæŋktjʊəɹi/

Pluralsanctuaries

4 meanings of sanctuary

1
safe placenouncountable
A place where you are safe and protected.
My bedroom is my sanctuary after a long day at school.
The cave was a sanctuary for the hikers during the storm.
Similarrefuge, haven, retreat, shelter, oasis
Note
2
wildlife areanouncountable
A place set apart to keep animals or plants safe.
We saw deer and foxes at the animal sanctuary.
No boats are allowed inside the turtle sanctuary.
Similarreserve, preserve, refuge
3
protectionnoununcountable
Being kept safe from danger, like when a country lets someone stay to protect them.
The writer was given sanctuary in another country after the war.
The reporter went to the embassy and asked for sanctuary.
Similarasylum, refuge, protection, shelter, safety
Note
4
holy partnouncountable
The holy part of a church or temple, near the altar.
Flowers were placed around the altar in the sanctuary.
The priest stepped down from the sanctuary to greet the people.
Similarchancel

Practice

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Origin

It comes from a Latin word for a holy place, from sanctus, meaning “holy”.