sanctuaire

sanctuary, shrine

noun sank-tyoo-EHR Rare

Also means

wildlife reserve

Usage Note

Sanctuaire is used for both a religious sanctuary (a consecrated inner space) and a wildlife sanctuary (sanctuaire marin = marine sanctuary). It carries a strong sense of inviolable protection, so the word appears in political discourse too: sanctuaire nucléaire refers to France's nuclear deterrence doctrine.

Examples

"Les pèlerins visitaient le sanctuaire chaque année."

Natural Translation

The pilgrims visited the sanctuary every year.

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