safe haven

noun

plural safe havens

1

: a place of safety or refuge

In 1985, the City Council passed a resolution proclaiming the city a safe haven for refugees and prohibiting city employees from asking about individuals' immigration status.

—Mathew Miranda

Over three decades, the sanctuary has become a symbol of hope, working to end the drivers of illegal wildlife trade while providing a safe haven for hundreds of great apes.

—Business Wire

2

: an investment that is expected to retain or increase its value during times of economic downturn or market volatility

Investors seek out safe havens in order to limit their exposure to losses in the event of market downturns. However, assets that are deemed safe havens can vary depending on the specific nature of the down market.

—James Chen

—usually hyphenated when used before another noun

safe-haven assets

Examples of safe haven in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The movement, which had roots in the medieval tradition of churches providing sanctuary for those fleeing persecution, was aimed at providing a safe haven for Central Americans running from political repression and violence in their home countries. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026

Mike Snider One fast-food chain, Arby's, is holding itself up as a safe haven amid concerns about leafy greens and the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 16 July 2026

Having suffered its worst quarter since 2013, gold — traditionally seen as a safe haven asset and portfolio diversifier — has now shed more than 14% of its value in the last three months. — Sean Conlon,hugh Leask,lee Ying Shan,fred Imbert, CNBC, 12 July 2026

The restaurant also has become a safe haven for immigrants arriving in the San Fernando Valley. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for safe haven

• riboflavin
• craven
• flavin
• graven
• maven
• pavan
• raven
• shaven
• engraven
• unshaven