refuge

[ref-yooj]

noun

1. shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc..

   to take refuge from a storm.

   Synonyms: safety, security

2. a place of shelter, protection, or safety.

   Synonyms: stronghold, haven, sanctuary, retreat, asylum

3. anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.

verb (used with object)

refuged, refuging 

1. Archaic.,  to afford refuge to.

verb (used without object)

refuged, refuging 

1. Archaic.,  to take refuge.

refuge

/ ˈrɛfjuːdʒ /

noun

1. shelter or protection, as from the weather or danger

2. any place, person, action, or thing that offers or appears to offer protection, help, or relief

   accused of incompetence, he took refuge in lying

3. another name for traffic island

verb

1. archaic,  to take refuge or give refuge to

Word History and Origins

Origin of refuge¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin refugium, from refug(ere) “to turn and flee, run away” ( re- re- + fugere “to flee”; fugitive ) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of refuge¹

C14: via Old French from Latin refugium , from refugere to flee away, from _re- + fugere to escape

Example Sentences

She took refuge in the hills and moorlands of Yorkshire; the photographer Cecil Beaton, a regular visitor, described her as "the perfect outdoor girl".

From BBC

She has visited women's refuges, challenged the taboos surrounding domestic abuse and at a reception for International Women's Day held up stones that in 1914 been thrown by suffragettes to break windows in Buckingham Palace.

From BBC

“Since becoming Interior Secretary, I’ve traveled to National Parks, historic sites, and wildlife refuges to learn and hear from leadership on the ground,” Burgum said.

From Los Angeles Times

For Iesha, be it playing online with others or watching a stream, gaming has also become an emotional refuge to navigate feelings.

From BBC

The new science of fire shelters and refuge areas is changing the way experts are thinking about disaster response.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• asylum 
• fortress 
• haven 
• hideaway 
• hideout 
• hiding place www.thesaurus.com
• protection 
• resort 
• retreat 
• sanctuary 
• security 
• shelter 
• stronghold