[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/sanctuary/)

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# sanctuary

noun (a sanctuary, sanctuaries)

«sanctuary» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. A safe place where animals are protected, such as a bird sanctuary or wildlife sanctuary. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/#m1)
2. A safe place for people who are in danger or being chased; safety itself: "They found sanctuary in the church." [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/#m2)
3. (church) The holiest part of a church or temple, near the altar. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/#m3)
4. A calm, private place where someone feels peaceful: "My bedroom is my sanctuary." [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/#m4)

### 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/#x1)
- The island is a sanctuary for seabirds. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/#x2)
- In the past, a person could claim sanctuary in a church. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/#x3)
- The refugees found sanctuary in a new country. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/#x4)
- The priest stood in the sanctuary near the altar. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/#x5)
- The library is my sanctuary on a noisy day. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/#x6)
- The rescued koalas live in a sanctuary in Queensland. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/#x7)
- Even the poorest beggar ventured up the steps into the sanctuary. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/#x8)

### 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/sanctuary/#x1)
- Ye shall keep My sabbaths, and reverence My sanctuary: I am the LORD. (Torah LEV.19.30, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/sanctuary/#x2)
- and of cassia five hundred, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of olive oil a hin. (Torah EXO.30.24, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/sanctuary/#x3)
- Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion. (Writings PSA.114.2, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/sanctuary/#x4)
- And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors. (Prophets EZK.41.23, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/sanctuary/#x5)
- Until I entered into the sanctuary of God, and considered their end. (Writings PSA.73.17, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/sanctuary/#x6)

### 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.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «sanctuary» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/sanctuary/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«sanctuary» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/sanctuary.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «sanctuary» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/S/sanctuary/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«sanctuary» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/sanctuary.html) on Mova free.