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

In such context, the museum becomes not just a place for reflection, but a site of refuge and protection.

From Washington Post

When he was younger, he and his friends used to hop the fence of a wildlife refuge and go exploring.

From Washington Post

Unsuccessful presidential candidates often find refuge back in the marble buildings to the east of Capitol Street.

From Time

A member of his party knocked on the door of the biggest house in town and, without mentioning the president, asked for refuge, but the owners said they had no more space.

From Washington Post

More than nine months later, I could choose to focus on the fact that Yariel spent nearly a year in the custody of an out-of-control agency that forces those who seek refuge in this country to endure abuse and dehumanization.

From Washington Blade

They carved a refuge out of the wilderness and then, in 200 years, built it into the most powerful nation on earth.

From The Daily Beast

The regions where it is strong have served as a refuge for al Qaeda, which is the main American target.

From The Daily Beast

Hana seeks refuge from the buzzing lights of Otome Road in a nearby café and makes another swirl with her straw.

From The Daily Beast

Casa Bruja is a diamond in the rough, a refuge among all this bedlam.

From The Daily Beast

The Uzbeks and other Central Asians had left the south, but many had found refuge in the north, in cities like Miran Shah.

From The Daily Beast

He leant against the wall of his refuge, notwithstanding this boast, and licked the ice to moisten his parched lips.

From Project Gutenberg

But such refuge, he knew, could avail him nothing if the bear should scent him out and search for him.

From Project Gutenberg

Profiting by this, Benjy quietly moved away round a colossal buttress of the berg, and took refuge in an ice-cave.

From Project Gutenberg

Native women were not interfered with by either party, nor were the foreigners, many of whom took refuge at the British Consulate.

From Project Gutenberg

They found a few belated sowars of the 3d Cavalry, who took refuge in a wood, and the artillery opened fire at the trees!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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