sanctuary
SANK-choo-er-ee
/ˈsæŋktʃueri/
A place of refuge or safety; a holy place, such as a church or temple.
It carries a dual meaning: a physical holy building and the legal/moral protection that such a place provides.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'sanctum', meaning a holy thing. In medieval times, if a criminal could reach the 'sanctuary' of a church, the law could not touch them, leading to our modern sense of a 'safe place'.
Word relationships
- asylum: Asylum is more political or medical, while sanctuary is more spiritual or natural.
- haven: A haven is a place of shelter, but it lacks the religious 'holy' root of sanctuary.
- exposure: Exposure is being left without protection, the opposite of sanctuary.
Commonly confused with
- temple: A temple is for worship; a sanctuary is for protection and holiness.
Word family
- sanctify (verb): To set apart as or declare holy.
- sanctum (noun): A private place from which most people are excluded.
Collocations
- seek sanctuary
- wildlife sanctuary
- inner sanctuary
Example sentences
- "Sanctuary! Sanctuary! Sanctuary!" A classic literary plea for safety.
- "The island was designated as a bird sanctuary to protect endangered species." Environmental context.
Memory hook
A 'Sanctuary' is where you can 'Sank' into a chair and feel 'Safe'. A holy safe place.
When not to use
Don't use for just any safe place; a sanctuary usually has a connotation of peace, nature, or holiness.
Fun facts
- The 'Sanctuary of Apollo' at Delphi was considered the center of the world by the ancient Greeks.
Related words
Explore more words
conservation, sacrosanct, solace, sacred, preservation, safeguard
Also appears in
- Nature → Environmental Conservation
- Nature → Biodiversity & Species Conservation
- Demographics & Urban Studies → Public Spaces & Parks
- Military Science & Warfare → Guerrilla Warfare & Insurgency
- Religion & World Beliefs → Pilgrimage & Sacred Spaces
- Emergency Services & Public Safety → Emergency Shelters & Evacuation
- Pets & Animals (Domestic) → Animal Rescue & Shelters
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