ref ‧ uge /ˈrefjuːdʒ/ BrE AmE noun
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: Latin refugium , from refugere 'to run away' , from fugere ; ⇨ ↑ fugitive 2 ]
1 . [uncountable] shelter or protection from someone or something
take/seek refuge (in something)
During the frequent air-raids, people took refuge in their cellars.
2 . [countable] a place that provides shelter, or protection from danger:
a wildlife refuge
refuge from
A huge oak tree provided a refuge from the storm.
refuge for
a refuge for battered wives