refuge

[ref-yooj]

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.

verb (used with object)

refuged, refuging 

1. Archaic.,  to afford refuge to.

verb (used without object)

refuged, refuging 

1. Archaic.,  to take refuge.

refuge

/ 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

verb

1. archaic,  to take refuge or give refuge to

Word History and Origins

Origin of refuge¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of refuge¹

C14: via Old French from Latin refugium , from refugere to flee away, from _re- + fugere to escape

Example Sentences

The UN's refugee agency has said it was struggling to find enough shelter and food for civilians seeking refuge in the town.

Read more on BBC

Al Qaeda blockades prevent others leaving by road from joining the 334,000 Malians who, according to the United Nations, have already sought refuge in neighboring countries.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Eight million Venezuelans have sought refuge in other countries since 2015.

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Thousands of residents have taken refuge in government shelters, but many are thought to be reluctant to leave their homes.

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The United States still stands for something—freedom, refuge, hope.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• asylum 
• fortress 
• haven 
• hideaway 
• hideout 
• hiding place www.thesaurus.com
• protection 
• resort 
• retreat 
• sanctuary 
• security 
• shelter 
• stronghold