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)

, ref·uged, ref·ug·ing.

1. Archaic. to afford refuge to.

verb (used without object)

, ref·uged, ref·ug·ing.

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

Jonathan Plissner, a supervisory wildlife biologist at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, told BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday that “it’s very rare” for a bird of Wisdom’s age to lay an egg, noting that “the average age that birds can survive is probably closer to 30 years.”

From New York Times

Researchers at the wildlife refuge found that Wisdom had returned on Nov. 26 to Midway Atoll, about 1,200 miles northwest of Honolulu — and the site of one of the biggest battles of World War II, just a few years before she was born.

From New York Times

Someone screams for the band members to seek refuge inside the Starbucks.

From Los Angeles Times

Jon Plissner, supervisory wildlife biologist at the refuge, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Wisdom was one of two to three million Laysan albatrosses who travel to Midway to breed.

From BBC

The wildlife refuge is home to the largest colony of albatross in the world.

From BBC

Related Words

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