refuge
Definitions
Protection or shelter from danger or trouble; a safe place to flee to
庇护，避难；可躲避危险的安全之处
Something or someone that provides comfort or escape from difficulty
（让人摆脱困境的）慰藉，寄托
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back) + fug (flee) = the place you flee back to. When danger strikes, you run back to safety — that safe destination is your refuge. The physical sense (a shelter) softened into an emotional one: a quiet hobby or a friend can be a refuge from stress.
Root fug still carries 4 more wordsUsage Guide
Almost always a noun, fixed in two patterns: 'take refuge (in/from)' and 'seek refuge (in/from).' You flee to a refuge from a danger. It is not used as a verb — don't say 'to refuge somewhere.' 'Wildlife refuge' is a separate fixed sense: a protected area for animals.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The climbers took refuge in a mountain hut during the storm.
- 2.
Thousands sought refuge in neighboring countries after the war broke out.
- 3.
For her, painting was a refuge from the pressures of work.
Synonym Comparison
- refuge — the safe place itself, where you flee to
- shelter — physical protection from weather or danger; more concrete
- sanctuary — a refuge with a sense of sacredness or inviolability
- haven — a peaceful, safe place, often emotional (a safe haven)
- asylum — protection granted by a state to someone fleeing persecution (legal)