Word
refuge
US/ˈɹɛfjudʒ/
UK/ɹˈɛfjuːdʒ/
Definitions
01a safe place
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a place that provides protection or shelter from danger or trouble.
n. a physical location or structure providing shelter or protection from pursuit, danger, or difficulty.
Español:refugio
“The hikers found a small cave that provided refuge from the sudden storm.”
“The mountain hut served as a vital refuge for climbers caught in the unexpected blizzard, offering warmth and safety until the weather cleared.”
02the state of being safe
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the state of being safe or protected from something bad.
n. the abstract state of being sheltered or protected from pursuit, danger, or difficulty.
“Many people sought refuge in the basement during the heavy winds.”
“The embassy provided political refuge to the activists, ensuring their safety while diplomatic negotiations were conducted.”
Synonyms
03someone or something you turn to
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a person or thing that you turn to for help when you are in a difficult situation.
n. a person, activity, or entity resorted to for assistance or security in times of distress.
“When work became too stressful, music was his only refuge.”
“In times of national crisis, the public often seeks refuge in traditional values and historical narratives to find a sense of stability.”
04traffic island
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English
n. a small raised area in the middle of a road where people can wait safely while crossing.
n. a pedestrian island or median strip designed to provide a safe waiting area for those crossing a busy thoroughfare.
“Wait on the refuge until the cars on the other side have passed.”
“The city council installed several pedestrian refuges along the main road to improve safety for students walking to the nearby primary school.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “refuge” in context.
Verb
01. provide refuge for wildlife
“The national park provides refuge for several endangered species of birds.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
02. seek refuge from the storm
“The hikers were forced to seek refuge from the storm in a nearby cave.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
03. take refuge in a library
“During the heatwave, many people took refuge in the air-conditioned library.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
Adjective
04. safe refuge
“The harbor offered a safe refuge for ships during the hurricane.”
adj + noun
05. temporary refuge
“The community center served as a temporary refuge for those displaced by the fire.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. place of refuge
“For many immigrants, the church became a vital place of refuge and support.”
noun + of + noun
07. wildlife refuge
“They spent the afternoon photographing rare herons at the local wildlife refuge.”
noun + noun
Preposition
08. in refuge
“The political dissident lived in refuge at the embassy for three years.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“Of those who followed the order, about 20 spent the night in a sports hall, while others sought refuge with family and friends.” “In Italy, Germany and Spain, I sought refuge from the afternoon sun in air-conditioned hotels.” “Some councils have published lists of "cool spaces" , including churches, libraries and museums, where people can take refuge from the sun.” Etymology
From Middle English refuge, from Old French refuge, from Latin refugium, from re- + fugiō (“flee”). Doublet of refugium.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/refuge
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0