sanctuary

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Synonyms 1.2.2 Translations 1.2.3 External links

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

< Middle English sanctuary < Old French saintuaire < Late Latin sanctuarium (“‘a sacred place, a shrine, a private cabinet, in ML. also temple, church, churdyard, cemetery, right of asylum’”) < Latin sanctus (“‘holy, sacred’”); see saint.

[edit] Noun

sanctuary (plural sanctuaries)

1. A place of safety, refuge, or protection.

   My car is a sanctuary, where none can disturb me except for people who cut me off.

2. An area set aside for protection.

   The bird sanctuary has strict restrictions on visitors so the birds aren't disturbed.

3. A state of being protected, asylum.

   The government granted sanctuary to the defector, protecting him from his former government.

4. The consecrated (or sacred) area of a church or temple around its tabernacle or altar.

[edit] Synonyms

• haven
• refuge
• zoar

[edit] Translations

[edit] External links

• sanctuary in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• sanctuary in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911