sanctuary

A place where you can be safe from danger or trouble.

• Her room was her sanctuary.
• The church became a sanctuary for frightened families.
• They found sanctuary in a small village across the border.

How to use it: sanctuary from something (Her garden is a sanctuary from city noise.)

Similar words: refuge, shelter, haven

Common phrases: safe sanctuary, sanctuary from something, peaceful sanctuary

An area where animals, plants, or other living things are kept safe.

• We visited a bird sanctuary.
• Hunting is forbidden inside the sanctuary.
• Several injured elephants now live in animal sanctuaries.

Similar words: reserve

Common phrases: bird sanctuary, wildlife sanctuary, animal sanctuary

Protection given to someone who is in danger or being chased.

• The refugees sought sanctuary.
• The government granted sanctuary to the escaped prisoner.
• She was offered sanctuary after receiving threats.

How to use it: sanctuary from someone/something (The country offered him sanctuary from persecution.)

Similar words: asylum, refuge, protection

Common phrases: seek sanctuary, grant sanctuary, offer sanctuary

The holy part of a church or temple around the main place of worship.

• The priest entered the sanctuary.
• Candles lit the sanctuary around the altar.
• Visitors were asked to remain outside the temple sanctuary.

Similar words: chancel

Common phrases: church sanctuary, temple sanctuary, enter the sanctuary