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

William Cooper, told The Times on Tuesday that the new sanctuary law would apply to the Police Department.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a draft of a sanctuary city ordinance that was called for more than a year ago.

From BBC

A second Goldberg resolution deals with sanctuary for immigrants.

From Los Angeles Times

Push to have Los Angeles declare itself a sanctuary city.

From Los Angeles Times

“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

Related Words

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