Sanctuary: meaning, definitions and examples

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sanctuary

 

[ หˆsรฆล‹ktjสŠษ™ri ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

place of refuge

A sanctuary is a place of refuge or safety, often associated with a religious institution. It is a sacred space where individuals can seek protection or solace from danger or persecution. Sanctuaries can be physical locations such as churches, temples, or nature reserves, as well as metaphorical spaces of emotional comfort and security.

Synonyms

haven, refuge, shelter.

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Word Description / Examples
sanctuary

A place of safety or protection, often with a spiritual or peaceful connotation. Commonly used for religious buildings offering safety.

  • The church offered sanctuary to the refugees.
  • The wildlife sanctuary is home to many endangered species.
refuge

A place providing protection or shelter from danger or distress. Often used in the context of escaping danger or something unpleasant.

  • The storm forced them to seek refuge in a nearby cabin.
  • Many people sought refuge from the war in neighboring countries.
haven

A place of safety or refuge, providing comfort and peace, often used in a metaphorical sense.

  • The library was his haven of peace in the bustling city.
  • Her home away from home was a haven during difficult times.
shelter

A basic place that provides protection from weather, danger, or other external conditions. Typically used for temporary or basic forms of protection.

  • They found shelter under a large tree during the sudden downpour.
  • Homeless people often seek shelter in public buildings.

Examples of usage

  • The church provided sanctuary to the refugees fleeing from the war-torn region.
  • The wildlife sanctuary was established to protect endangered species from poaching.
  • The sanctuary of the forest offered a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Context #2 | Noun

peaceful place

A sanctuary can also refer to a peaceful place that provides a sense of calm and tranquility. It may be a personal space within one's home or a designated area in nature where one can relax and unwind.

Synonyms

hideaway, oasis, retreat.

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Word Description / Examples
sanctuary

A place of safety or refuge, often with a focus on protection or sacredness. Usually used to describe places that offer legal protection or are considered holy.

  • The wildlife sanctuary is home to many endangered species.
  • During the storm, the church acted as a sanctuary for the homeless.
retreat

A place one goes for rest, relaxation, or meditation, often used for describing scheduled getaways or vacations focused on wellness.

  • She went on a yoga retreat to relax and recharge.
  • The company organized a weekend retreat for team building.
hideaway

A secret or secluded place where one can escape from others, often used to avoid stress or danger.

  • He has a little hideaway in the mountains where he goes to write his novels.
  • They discovered the thief's hideaway deep in the forest.
oasis

A pleasant or peaceful area or period in the midst of a difficult or hectic environment, often used metaphorically.

  • The garden is an oasis of calm in the middle of the busy city.
  • Her smile was an oasis of warmth in a desert of indifference.

Examples of usage

  • Her bedroom was her sanctuary, a place where she could escape from the stresses of everyday life.
  • The garden became a sanctuary for meditation and reflection.
  • The beach is my sanctuary, where I feel most at peace.

Translations

Translations of the word "sanctuary" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น santuรกrio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเคฐเฅเคฎเคธเฅเคฅเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Heiligtum

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tempat suci

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะฒัั‚ะธะปะธั‰ะต

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sanktuarium

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่–ๅŸŸ (ใ›ใ„ใ„ใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sanctuaire

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ santuario

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mabet

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„ฑ์†Œ (์„ฑ์ง€)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูŽู‚ุฏูุณ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ svatynฤ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ svรคtyลˆa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅœฃๆ‰€ (shรจng suว’)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ svetiลกฤe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ helgidรณmur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐัะธะตั‚ั‚ั– ะพั€ั‹ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒ™แƒฃแƒ แƒ—แƒฎแƒ”แƒ•แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรผqษ™ddษ™s yer

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ santuario

Etymology

The word 'sanctuary' originated from the Latin word 'sanctuarium', meaning a sacred or holy place. In ancient times, sanctuaries were designated areas within temples or churches where fugitives could seek protection from persecution. The concept of sanctuary has evolved over the centuries to encompass not only physical spaces of refuge but also metaphorical havens of peace and tranquility.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,450 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.