# refuge

/ˈɹɛfjudʒ/ (US) · /ɹˈɛfjuːdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/refuge
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a safe place

noun · CEFR B2

a place that provides protection or shelter from danger or trouble.

For teachers: a physical location or structure providing shelter or protection from pursuit, danger, or difficulty.

- 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.

### 2. the state of being safe

noun · CEFR B2

the state of being safe or protected from something bad.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. someone or something you turn to

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person or thing that you turn to for help when you are in a difficult situation.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. traffic island

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a small raised area in the middle of a road where people can wait safely while crossing.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The hikers found refuge in a small cave during the storm.
- Many families sought refuge in the local community center after the flood destroyed their homes.
- In an increasingly loud and connected world, many people find that a quiet library offers a necessary refuge from the constant demands of digital life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.