sanctuary

Everyday

1. A safe place where animals are protected, such as a bird sanctuary or wildlife sanctuary. tree →
2. A safe place for people who are in danger or being chased; safety itself: "They found sanctuary in the church." tree →
3. (church) The holiest part of a church or temple, near the altar. tree →
4. A calm, private place where someone feels peaceful: "My bedroom is my sanctuary." tree →

In the lessons

In nature lessons sanctuaries protect endangered or rescued animals: donkey sanctuaries, elephant sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries. In history, in the Middle Ages people fleeing could claim sanctuary in a church. In church life the sanctuary is the special area at the front. In stories it tells the reader a character has finally found safety. Phrases: seek sanctuary, find sanctuary, wildlife sanctuary, give sanctuary.

Examples

• We visited a donkey sanctuary in the holidays. tree →
• The island is a sanctuary for seabirds. tree →
• In the past, a person could claim sanctuary in a church. tree →
• The refugees found sanctuary in a new country. tree →
• The priest stood in the sanctuary near the altar. tree →
• The library is my sanctuary on a noisy day. tree →
• The rescued koalas live in a sanctuary in Queensland. tree →
• Even the poorest beggar ventured up the steps into the sanctuary. tree →

Note

Plural: sanctuaries (y → ies). Comes from Latin "sanctus", holy. Countable when it is a place; uncountable when it means safety (seek sanctuary). Similar: refuge, haven, reserve.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: The commandment to make a sanctuary led to the Tabernacle. Tradition says God's presence dwells "among them", in the people as well as the building. Today the synagogue is called a small sanctuary. In the primary lessons: In nature lessons sanctuaries protect endangered or rescued animals: donkey sanctuaries, elephant sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries. In history, in the Middle Ages people fleeing could claim sanctuary in a church. In church life the sanctuary is the special area at the front. In stories it tells the reader a character has finally found safety. Phrases: seek sanctuary, find sanctuary, wildlife sanctuary, give sanctuary.

Examples

• And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. (Torah EXO.25.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• Ye shall keep My sabbaths, and reverence My sanctuary: I am the LORD. (Torah LEV.19.30, JPS 1917) tree →
• and of cassia five hundred, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of olive oil a hin. (Torah EXO.30.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion. (Writings PSA.114.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors. (Prophets EZK.41.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• Until I entered into the sanctuary of God, and considered their end. (Writings PSA.73.17, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Plural: sanctuaries (y → ies). Comes from Latin "sanctus", holy. Countable when it is a place; uncountable when it means safety (seek sanctuary). Similar: refuge, haven, reserve.