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

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

The sanctuary the phantom callers promise comes with a price.

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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