sanctuary

[ sangk-choo-er-ee ]

noun

, plural sanc·tu·ar·ies.

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 Words From

• sanctu·aried 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

Push to have Los Angeles declare itself a sanctuary city.

From Los Angeles Times

But you have to wonder what "border czar" Homan, who claims he will have the military at his disposal, means when he says that governors of sanctuary states have to "get the hell out of the way," and that if they don't, "we may have to double the number of agents we send to New York City."

From Salon

“If sanctuary cities don’t want to help us, then get out of the way, because we’re coming,” Homan said in an interview on “Fox & Friends.”

From Los Angeles Times

They will also push local governments to enshrine sanctuary policies that go beyond the state’s sanctuary law.

From Los Angeles Times

Miller has said that a Trump administration could deploy the U.S. military and National Guard troops to assist in deporting immigrants, setting the stage for showdowns between the federal government and local jurisdictions that bill themselves as sanctuary cities and states.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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