noun · neutral
sanctuary
UK/ˈsæŋktʃuəri/US/ˈsæŋktʃueri/SAN·ctu·ary
a protected place where people or animals are safe from danger or harm
Examples
“The island has been designated a bird sanctuary.”
“Local laws created a marine sanctuary to protect breeding grounds.”
“People sought sanctuary in the shelter during the storm.”
Band 8 sentence
“The government expanded the sanctuary, restricting access to scientists and rangers to ensure minimal disturbance.”
Collocations
- designate as a sanctuary
- wildlife sanctuary
- seek sanctuary
Word family
Common mistakes
They made this place sanctuary for animals.→They made this place a sanctuary for animals.
This island is sanctuaries for birds.→This island is a sanctuary for birds.
Say it for a higher band
5safe place→6refuge→7+sanctuary
Synonyms
refuge
reserve
Easily confused
reserve
“The coastal reserve allows limited fishing, while the adjacent sanctuary is completely protected.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Nature & Animals
Learn it with its set