sanctuary

1 a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion) by law, anyone who sought refuge in a religious sanctuary was safe from arrest by the civil authorities Synonyms of sanctuary shrine, sanctumWords Related to sanctuary reliquary; martyry

2 something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger the marshland has been set aside as a sanctuary for shorebirds along that section of the coast Synonyms of sanctuary asylum, bolt-hole [chiefly British], harbor, harborage, haven, refuge, retreat, shelter, sanctumWords Related to sanctuary 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