sanctuary Definition
- 1a place of refuge or safety, especially for wildlife or endangered species
- 2a holy place; a temple or church
- 3a place where someone or something is protected or given shelter
Using sanctuary: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sanctuary" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The wildlife sanctuary was established to protect endangered species.
Example
The church was considered a sanctuary during the war.
Example
The embassy provided sanctuary for political refugees.
Example
The garden was a sanctuary for her to relax and unwind.
sanctuary Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with sanctuary
a city that limits its cooperation with the national government's effort to enforce immigration law
Example
The mayor declared the city a sanctuary city, offering protection to undocumented immigrants.
a state that limits its cooperation with the national government's effort to enforce immigration law
Example
California is a sanctuary state, providing protection to undocumented immigrants.
an area designated as a safe haven for marine life, where fishing and other activities are restricted
Example
The sanctuary zone was established to protect the coral reef and marine life.
Origins of sanctuary
from Latin 'sanctuarium', meaning 'a sacred place'
Summary: sanctuary in Brief
The term 'sanctuary' [ˈsæŋktjʊəri] refers to a place of refuge or safety, especially for wildlife or endangered species. It can also refer to a holy place or a place where someone or something is protected. Examples include a wildlife sanctuary, a church sanctuary, and a political refugee sanctuary. The phrase 'sanctuary city' refers to a city that limits its cooperation with the national government's effort to enforce immigration law.