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sanctuary

SANGK-choo-air-ee /ˈsæŋk.tʃu.er.i/

nounB2IELTSTOEFLSAT

neutralacademic

A legally designated zone or refuge where animals or plants are protected from human hunting, exploitation, or interference.

Carries strong connotations of complete safety and refuge protected by law, custom, or physical boundaries.

The story behind the word. From Latin sanctuarium, a shrine or vessel for holy relics, derived from sanctus (sacred). Medieval churches provided sanctuary—physical immunity from arrest to fugitives. In the nineteenth century, naturalists applied the concept to natural reserves where wildlife enjoyed sacred protection from hunters.

Word relationships

refuge: Refuge means any general place of safety, whereas sanctuary carries an official protective or holy designation.

hunting ground: An area explicitly designated or used for tracking and killing game animals.

Commonly confused with

asylum: Asylum usually refers to political shelter granted to human refugees, while sanctuary is used for both wildlife reserves and human safety.

Word family

sanctify (verb): To make holy or set apart as inviolable.

Collocations

wildlife sanctuary
bird sanctuary
marine sanctuary
seek sanctuary

Example sentences

"The tidal marshland was officially declared a bird sanctuary to shield nesting pairs from coastal traffic." Coastal conservation update
"The national marine sanctuary offers safe refuge for migrating blue whales during breeding season." Marine sanctuary policy document

Memory hook

SANCTUARY is a SANCTIFIED, sacred safe space for wildlife. A safe haven for wildlife.

When not to use

Do not use to describe commercial zoo enclosures that exploit animals for entertainment.

Fun facts

The world's oldest recorded wildlife sanctuary was established in Sri Lanka in 247 BCE by King Devanampiya Tissa.