noun a sacred place; a consecrated spot; a holy and inviolable site.
2. sanctuary ·noun a sacred and inviolable asylum; a place of refuge and protection; shelter; refuge; protection.
3. sanctuary ·noun the most sacred part of any religious building, ·esp. that part of a christian church in which the altar is placed.
4. sanctuary ·noun a house consecrated to the worship of god; a place where divine service is performed; a church, temple, or other place of worship.
5. sanctuary ·noun the most retired part of the temple at jerusalem, called the holy of holies, in which was kept the ark of the covenant, and into which no person was permitted to enter except the high priest, and he only once a year, to intercede for the people; also, the most sacred part of the tabernacle; also, the temple at jerusalem.