Synonyms for sanctuary

Grammar : Noun

Spell : sangk-choo-er-ee

Phonetic Transcription : ˈsæŋk tʃuˌɛr i

Top 10 synonyms for sanctuary

Other synonyms for the word sanctuary

Définition of sanctuary

Origin : early 14c., "building set apart for holy worship," from Anglo-French sentuarie, Old French saintuaire "sacred relic, holy thing; reliquary, sanctuary," from Late Latin sanctuarium "a sacred place, shrine" (especially the Hebrew Holy of Holies; see sanctum), also "a private room," from Latin sanctus "holy" (see saint (n.)).
Since the time of Constantine and by medieval Church law, fugitives or debtors enjoyed immunity from arrest in certain churches, hence transferred sense of "immunity from punishment" (late 14c.). Exceptions were made in England in cases of treason and sacrilege. General (non-ecclesiastical) sense of "place of refuge or protection" is attested from 1560s; as "land set aside for wild plants or animals to breed and live" it is recorded from 1879.

noun church; holiest room or area in religious building
noun place to hide, be safe
noun safe place for wildlife

Example sentences :

She said she'd 'see what mood she was in,' after the others had finished with the sanctuary.
Extract from : « It Happened in Egypt » by C. N. Williamson

Soon Biddy and I had—or seemed to have—the sanctuary to ourselves.
Extract from : « It Happened in Egypt » by C. N. Williamson

Her portrait is sold, but it is hung no where, in no sanctuary.
Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola

He could tolerate no irreverent spirits in the sanctuary of the mountain.
Extract from : « Mountain Meditations » by L. Lind-af-Hageby

Proverbs, like the sacred books of each nation, are the sanctuary of the intuitions.
Extract from : « Essays, First Series » by Ralph Waldo Emerson

In fact, this is his Sanctuary and he peddles under the eye of the police.
Extract from : « The Christian » by Hall Caine

I remember, as if the scene of carousing of the old roysterers had been a sort of sanctuary.
Extract from : « The Woman Thou Gavest Me » by Hall Caine

The sanctuary within me where Martin had lived was only a cemetery of the soul.
Extract from : « The Woman Thou Gavest Me » by Hall Caine

To bid the mockers and them that dare—dare to profane this sanctuary be careful.
Extract from : « Keziah Coffin » by Joseph C. Lincoln

Then I saw on a sudden an old man seated on the throne of the sanctuary.
Extract from : « The Phantom World » by Augustin Calmet

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019