Sanctuary
ˈsæŋk.tʃu.ər.i
Definitions
3 meaningsA place providing refuge, safety, or protection.
ˈsæŋk.tʃu.ər.i
A place of refuge or safety.
The forest became a sanctuary for the migrating birds.
💡 Simply: Imagine a cozy, safe space where you can go to feel protected. It could be a place, like your bedroom, or even a person, like a trusted friend!
👶 For kids: A safe place where you can feel happy and protected, like a special room in your house.
More Examples
She found sanctuary in her art after a difficult day.
The temple served as a sanctuary for refugees during the war.
How It's Used
"The church provided a sanctuary for those seeking shelter from the storm."
"The national park is a sanctuary for endangered species."
A holy or sacred place, such as a church or temple.
ˈsæŋk.tʃu.ər.i
A sacred place.
The congregation gathered in the sanctuary for the service.
💡 Simply: Imagine the holiest part of a church or a temple, the place where you can pray and feel close to what you believe in.
👶 For kids: A special place where people go to pray and feel close to God.
More Examples
The sanctuary was silent as the choir sang.
The stained-glass windows illuminated the sanctuary.
How It's Used
"The sanctuary of the cathedral was adorned with stained-glass windows."
"Visitors are asked to be quiet in the sanctuary."
The act of providing a place of safety or protection.
ˈsæŋk.tʃu.ər.i
The act of providing refuge or protection.
The church offered sanctuary to the fleeing families.
💡 Simply: Providing a safe place for someone, like giving them shelter or protection from something bad.
👶 For kids: Giving someone a safe place to be.
More Examples
The government's policy regarding sanctuary for immigrants is debated.
The organization is dedicated to providing sanctuary to abused animals.
How It's Used
"The country granted sanctuary to political refugees."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Breach of sanctuary
The act of violating the safety of a sacred or protected place; an unwarranted intrusion.
"The police were accused of a breach of sanctuary when they entered the church without a warrant."
From Latin *sanctuarium*, meaning "a sacred place", derived from *sanctus* meaning "holy". The word's roots reflect its association with religious or protected spaces.
Historically, the word sanctuary was often used to describe churches or religious institutions providing legal protection or refuge from authorities, particularly in medieval times.
Memory tip
Think of a safe place where you can find peace and security like the church.
Word Origin
"holy place, from sanctus (holy)"