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sanctuary

noun
 
 
/ˈsæŋk.tʃʊə.ri/ US  /-tʃu.er.i/

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.Safe and enclosed spaces [C] a place where birds or animals can live and be protected, especially from being hunted or dangerous conditions: a wildlife/bird sanctuaryZoos and wildlife reservesAnimal Dwellings - man-madeAnimal dwellings - natural [C] the most holy part of a religious buildingParts of religious buildings
(Definition of sanctuary noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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