Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for sanctuary

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
    1. a sacred building where fugitives were formerly entitled to immunity from arrest or execution
    2. the immunity so afforded
  5. a place of refuge; asylum
  6. a place, protected by law, where animals, esp birds, can live and breed without interference
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Other Words From

  • sanctu·aried adjective
Discover More

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
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctuary1

C14: from Old French sainctuarie, from Late Latin sanctuārium repository for holy things, from Latin sanctus holy
Discover More

Example Sentences

He hits bottom at Rocamadour, a sanctuary in the Dordogne known as a citadel of faith devoted to Mary.

“Sanctuary for all, community for all, etc, etc.” So he was on the road to community, you know?

As Yellowstone bears increasingly wander outside the sanctuary of the park, they run an ever-greater risk of getting shot.

The sanctuary the phantom callers promise comes with a price.

Excessive tourism could lead to a more rapid destruction of this sanctuary.

They have possessed thy holy people as nothing: our enemies have trodden down thy sanctuary.

And he cast down the pieces of silver into the sanctuary, and departed; and he went away and hanged himself.

Her little library was the sanctuary for all confidential conversation upon matters of state.

This alludes to the figure of the cherubims in the sanctuary, which with stretched out wings covered the ark.-Ibid.

And he brought me back to the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary, which looked towards the east: and it was shut.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement