sanctuary

[sangk-choo-er-ee]

noun

plural

sanctuaries 

1. a sacred or holy place.

   Synonyms: adytum, sanctum, shrine, altar, temple, church

2. Judaism.

   1. the Biblical tabernacle or the Temple in Jerusalem.

   2. the holy of holies of these places of worship.

3. an especially holy place in a temple or church.

4. the part of a church around the altar; the chancel.

5. a church or other sacred place where fugitives were formerly entitled to immunity from arrest.

6. immunity afforded by refuge in such a place.

7. any place of refuge; asylum.

8. a tract of land where birds and wildlife, especially those hunted for sport, can breed and take refuge in safety from hunters.

   Synonyms: preserve

sanctuary

/ ˈsæŋktjʊərɪ /

noun

1. a holy place

2. a consecrated building or shrine

3. Old Testament

   1. the Israelite temple at Jerusalem, esp the holy of holies

   2. the tabernacle in which the Ark was enshrined during the wanderings of the Israelites

4. the chancel, or that part of a sacred building surrounding the main altar

5. 1. a sacred building where fugitives were formerly entitled to immunity from arrest or execution

   2. the immunity so afforded

6. a place of refuge; asylum

7. a place, protected by law, where animals, esp birds, can live and breed without interference

Other Word Forms

• sanctuaried adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctuary¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Late Latin sānctuārium, from sānctu- (combining form of sanctus; Sanctus ) + -ārium -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctuary¹

C14: from Old French sainctuarie, from Late Latin sanctuārium repository for holy things, from Latin sanctus holy

Example Sentences

The sanctuary, founded in 1999, hosts the event, known as “A Gentle Thanksgiving,” annually.

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One option that has surfaced is a proposed whale sanctuary off Canada's Atlantic coast, in Nova Scotia province.

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However, the party said it was proud that Tchiroma Bakary could find "safe sanctuary" in The Gambia, adding that it was fully aware of how "despotism operates and how dissenters are treated".

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Capote perfectly captures the sacramental quality of the holiday—how, through the exhaustive labor of polishing and scrubbing, we consecrate the routine rooms of daily existence into a sanctuary for celebration.

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Fortunately, his North Carolina home is the perfect locale for a “semi” retirement, providing a relaxing and calm sanctuary that was designed to optimize lake views from nearly every room.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• asylum 
• church 
• harbor 
• haven 
• hideout 
• oasis 
• protection 
• refuge 
• resort 
• retreat 
• shelter