Home › Nature › Environmental Conservation › sanctuary

sanctuary

SANGK-choo-air-ee /ˈsæŋktʃuɛri/

nounB2IELTSTOEFLGRE

generalacademic

A protected area where animals, plants, or humans are safe from harm, hunting, or exploitation.

Carries a connotation of safety, refuge, and sacred protection where external forces are strictly forbidden from causing harm.

The story behind the word. Originally, a 'sanctuarium' was a holy place in a church where fugitives from the law could seek divine protection against violence. Over time, the concept expanded from sacred human shelters to designated safe zones for endangered wildlife.

Word relationships

refuge: 'Refuge' emphasizes temporary shelter from immediate danger, while 'sanctuary' is often an established, permanent zone.
haven: 'Haven' evokes a calm harbor or peaceful spot, not necessarily a legally protected zone.

hazard zone: An area marked by active danger or risk.

Commonly confused with

habitat: A 'habitat' is where an animal naturally lives; a 'sanctuary' is a specially protected space created for safety.

Word family

sanctify (verb): To make holy or set apart as sacred.
sanctity (noun): The state or quality of being holy or inviolable.

Collocations

wildlife sanctuary
marine sanctuary
bird sanctuary
provide sanctuary

Idioms & expressions

seek sanctuary

Example sentences

"The marine sanctuary provided a safe breeding ground where commercial fishing boats were strictly prohibited from operating." Wildlife Conservation
"Volunteers transformed the abandoned estate into a bird sanctuary, planting native shrubs to offer food and shelter." Habitat Protection

Memory hook

SANGT-uary: think of a SACRED, SAFE zone where no hunters can enter. Sanct- (sacred) + -uary (place) = A sacred safe space.

When not to use

Do not use for general agricultural land or commercial game reserves where hunting is permitted.

Fun facts

Medieval English law recognized 'sanctuary' where a fleeing criminal could stay inside a church for 40 days without arrest.