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

Newspaper accounts from the late 1800s and early 1900s describe manatee sightings in warm water refuges like yacht basins and canals harbors, and later in areas near power plants.

From Science Daily

The farm wasn’t just an investment, it became his refuge.

From Los Angeles Times

It is a landscape that inspires a rich poetic tradition, a forge that shapes cherished traditions and customs, and even a welcome refuge from troubling events beyond.

From Salon

I would burrow and seek refuge in reading narrative stories and watching movies.

From Salon

She had sought refuge in her uncle’s house in Aramoun after Israel started bombing Beirut’s southern suburbs.

From BBC

Related Words

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