noun
1. a holy or sacred place, especially the holiest part of a place of worship.
The priest prayed alone in the sanctuary before the service began.
2. a place that offers refuge or protection from arrest, seizure, or the like.
The church was a sanctuary where he knew he would be safe.
3. the refuge provided by such a place.
Many escaped slaves found sanctuary in Canada.
4. a piece of land that has been reserved as a protective shelter for wild animals; wildlife refuge.