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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

The singer further claimed that he was oblivious to the knowledge that the titular community center was a refuge for gay men in the late ’70s.

From Salon

"They feel people coming to the country, or people being offered refuge, are given priority."

From BBC

Shelters in the southern city of Saida, a refuge for thousands of displaced, emptied by around 80%, Lebanese authorities say.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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