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refuge

Pronunciation: /ˈrɛfjuːdʒ/
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Definition of refuge

noun

[mass noun]
  • the state of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or difficulty:he was forced to take refuge in the French embassy I sought refuge in drink
  • [count noun] a place or situation providing safety or shelter:the family came to be seen as a refuge from a harsh world
  • [count noun] an institution providing safe accommodation for women who have suffered violence from a husband or partner.
  • [count noun] British a traffic island.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French, from Latin refugium, from Latin re- 'back' + fugere 'flee'

refuge in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of refuge in the US English dictionary