sanctuaries

Noun

sanctuary (countable and uncountable, plural sanctuaries)

1. A place of safety, refuge, or protection.
   • My car is a sanctuary, where none can disturb me except for people who cut me off.

   Synonyms:

   haven, refuge, shelter, zoar

2. An area set aside for protection.
   • The bird sanctuary has strict restrictions on visitors so the birds aren't disturbed.
3. A state of being protected, asylum.
   • The government granted sanctuary to the defector, protecting him from his former government.
4. The consecrated (or sacred) area of a church or temple around its tabernacle or altar.
   • Near-synonym: chancel (broadly synonymous)

   Synonyms:

   presbytery, presbyterium, chancel[Appendix:Glossary