sanc ‧ tu ‧ a ‧ ry /ˈsæŋktʃuəri, -tʃəri $ -tʃueri/ BrE AmE noun ( plural sanctuaries )
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: sainctuarie , from Late Latin sanctuarium , from Latin sanctus ; ⇨ ↑ saint ]
1 . [countable] an area for birds or animals where they are protected and cannot be hunted SYN refuge
bird/wildlife etc sanctuary
The park is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the US.
sanctuary for
a sanctuary for tigers
2 . [uncountable and countable] a peaceful place that is safe and provides protection, especially for people who are in danger SYN refuge
find/seek sanctuary
Fleeing refugees found sanctuary in Geneva.
sanctuary for
a sanctuary for battered women
3 . [countable] the part of a religious building that is considered to be the most holy
4 . [countable] American English the room in a religious building where religious services take place
5 . [uncountable] the right that people had under Christian law, especially in the past, to be protected from police, soldiers etc by staying in a church