Definition of SANCTUARY

sanctuary

Plural: sanctuaries

Noun

  • a consecrated place where sacred objects are kept
  • a shelter from danger or hardship
  • area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir; often enclosed by a lattice or railing
  • A place of safety, refuge, or protection.
  • An area set aside for protection.
  • A state of being protected, asylum.
  • The consecrated (or sacred) area of a church or temple around its tabernacle or altar.

Examples

  • My car is a sanctuary, where none can disturb me except for people who cut me off.
  • The bird sanctuary has strict restrictions on visitors so the birds aren't disturbed.
  • The government granted sanctuary to the defector, protecting him from his former government.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English seyntuarie, from Old French saintuaire, from Late Latin sanctuarium (“a sacred place, a shrine, a private cabinet, in Medieval Latin also temple, church, churchyard, cemetery, right of asylum”), from Latin sanctus (“holy, sacred”); see saint.

Scrabble Score: 14

sanctuary: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
sanctuary: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
sanctuary: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

sanctuary: valid Words With Friends Word