A place of refuge or safety. The wildlife reserve serves as a sanctuary for endangered species.
A sacred or holy place, such as a church or temple. The pilgrims traveled for days to reach the sanctuary and offer their prayers.
A place where fugitives are immune from arrest. The church provided sanctuary to those fleeing persecution.
Protection or refuge granted by a place or institution; the state of being protected from danger or hardship. Hundreds of refugees sought sanctuary in neighboring countries.
The area around the altar of a church, regarded as especially sacred and sometimes separated from the rest of the building. Only clergy were permitted to enter the sanctuary during the ceremony.
The part of a church or other religious building that contains the altar; the most sacred area of a place of worship. The priest walked back into the sanctuary to prepare the altar for Mass.