sanctuary

/ˈsæŋk·tʃuˌer·i/ n [C/U] social studies

Definition

› protection or a safe place, esp. for someone or something being chased or hunted: [U] The storm’s survivors took sanctuary in the church. › A sanctuary is a place where birds or animals can live and be protected: [C] a wildlife/bird sanctuary › A sanctuary is the part of a church where religious ceremonies happen: [C] Nan and her parents found seats in the sanctuary for the service.

(Definition of sanctuary n from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)