refuge

American  

[ref-yooj] / ˈrɛf yudʒ /

noun

1. shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc..

   to take refuge from a storm.

   Synonyms:

   safety , security

2. a place of shelter, protection, or safety.

   Synonyms:

   stronghold , haven , sanctuary , retreat , asylum

3. anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.

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verb (used with object)

refuged, refuging

1. Archaic.  to afford refuge to.

verb (used without object)

refuged, refuging

1. Archaic.  to take refuge.

refuge British  

/ ˈrɛfjuːdʒ /

noun

1. shelter or protection, as from the weather or danger

2. any place, person, action, or thing that offers or appears to offer protection, help, or relief

   accused of incompetence, he took refuge in lying

3. another name for traffic island

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verb

1. archaic  to take refuge or give refuge to

Etymology

Origin of refuge

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin refugium, from refug(ere) “to turn and flee, run away” ( re- re- + fugere “to flee”; fugitive ) + -ium -ium

Example Sentences

The UK government has also announced a raft of new policies designed to reduce numbers of those seeking refuge here.

From BBC

Hasina, 78, has since sought refuge in India, defying court orders that she return to Bangladesh.

From Barron's

It’s in these conditions that Smith doubted Topanga’s refuge sites could protect residents.

From Los Angeles Times

After her diagnosis in 2022, her late grandmother’s home became a refuge.

From Los Angeles Times

His age meant he narrowly avoided Ukraine's military draft for men aged 18 and older after Russia invaded and he sought refuge in Germany, before moving to Japan.

From Barron's

Related Words

• asylum
• fortress
• haven
• hideaway
• hideout
• hiding place
• protection
• resort
• retreat
• sanctuary
• security
• shelter
• stronghold