ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Sanctuary

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈsæŋktjʊəɹi/ · Part of speech noun

Quick meaning: Sanctuary is a noun meaning A place of safety, refuge, or protection.

Meaning

A place of safety, refuge, or protection.

More Meanings

  1. An area set aside for protection.
  2. A state of being protected, asylum.
  3. The consecrated (or sacred) area of a church or temple around its tabernacle or altar.

Example Sentences

Near-synonym: chancel (broadly synonymous)
My car is a sanctuary, where none can disturb me except for people who cut me off.
The bird sanctuary has strict restrictions on visitors so the birds aren't disturbed.
The government granted sanctuary to the defector, protecting him from his former government.

Word Forms

Synonyms for sanctuary

Depending on context, synonyms include haven, refuge, shelter, zoar, presbytery, presbyterium.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include asylum, refuge, bema, chancel, shelter, hostel.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.