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sanctuary meaning and examples

2025-09-08

Meaning

Sanctuary is a noun that refers to a safe place, a place of protection, or a holy/religious space. It can mean a physical shelter, a spiritual refuge, or a protected natural area.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: noun (countable/uncountable depending on context)

  • Common sentence patterns:

    • “seek sanctuary in/from …”
    • “provide sanctuary for …”
    • “find sanctuary in …”

Common Phrases

  • seek sanctuary – to look for a safe place
  • provide sanctuary – to give someone protection
  • bird sanctuary – an area where birds are protected
  • a sanctuary of peace – a place of calm and safety

Collocations

  • seek/flee to/offer/provide sanctuary
  • wildlife/bird/nature sanctuary
  • peaceful/private sanctuary
  • sanctuary for refugees

Examples

  1. The church offered sanctuary to the refugees during the war.
  2. She sought sanctuary in the library, away from the noise of the city.
  3. The wildlife sanctuary protects endangered species from hunters.
  4. His garden is his personal sanctuary where he finds peace.
  5. The ancient temple was regarded as a holy sanctuary.
  6. Tourists are not allowed to disturb the birds in the sanctuary.
  7. The villagers provided sanctuary for those fleeing the conflict.
  8. Meditation became her sanctuary from daily stress.
  • refuge
  • haven
  • shelter
  • asylum
  • retreat

Antonym

  • danger
  • threat
  • exposure
  • peril
  • risk