refuge

¹ref·uge

noun \ˈre-(ˌ)fyüj also -(ˌ)fyüzh\

Definition of REFUGE

1

: shelter or protection from danger or distress

2

: a place that provides shelter or protection

3

: something to which one has recourse in difficulty

Examples of REFUGE

1. <hunting is strictly forbidden in the wildlife refuge>

Origin of REFUGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin refugium, from refugere to escape, from re- + fugere to flee — more at fugitive

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REFUGE

Synonyms

asylum, bolt-hole [chiefly British], harbor, harborage, haven, shelter, retreat, sanctuary, sanctum

Related Words

oasis; anchorage, mooring, port; cover, screen; abode, diggings, domicile, dwelling, habitation, house, housing, lodging, lodgment (or lodgement), pad, place, quarters, residence, rest, roof; cloister, closet, covert, den, hermitage, hideaway, hideout, lair; castle, fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, redoubt, stronghold; lean-to, lee, shed, windbreak

Rhymes with REFUGE

deluge, gamboge

²refuge

verb

ref·ugedref·ug·ing

Definition of REFUGE

transitive verb

: to give refuge to

intransitive verb

: to seek or take refuge

Examples of REFUGE

1. <a nation with a long, honorable history of refuging political asylum seekers>

First Known Use of REFUGE

1594

Related to REFUGE

Synonyms

harbor, shelter

Related Words

cover, defend, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward; domicile, house, place, quarter; shade, shadow

Near Antonyms

expose

Rhymes with REFUGE

deluge