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sanctuary noun

Click to hear the UK pronunciation of this wordClick to hear the US pronunciation of this word/ˈsæŋk.tʃʊə.ri//-tʃu.er.i/ n

Definition

[C usually singular U] protection or a safe place, especially for someone or something being chased or hunted
Illegal immigrants found/sought/took sanctuary in a local church.
The chapel became a sanctuary for the refugees.
figurative If I want some peace and quiet, I take sanctuary in my study.
[C] a place where birds or animals can live and be protected, especially from hunters or dangerous conditions
a wildlife/bird sanctuary
[C] the most holy part of a religious building

(Definition of sanctuary noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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