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refugium

refugium

1 9.6
A place that gives safety to people or groups during danger
  • noun
  • /rɪˈfjuːdʒiəm/
: refugio
  • The national park acts as a refugium for endangered species, providing them safety from habitat destruction.

Examples

  • In cases of extreme danger of imminent extinction, a CA may provide for the establishment of a captive breeding/refugium program.

    Academic text (1997)
  • During the war, the old church served as a refugium for families seeking shelter from the conflict.

  • When the storm hit, the community center became a refugium for those displaced from their homes.

Synonyms

refuge
vsrefugium
177 3.3

A safe place or person that protects you from harm

is restricted to a physical place rather than any person or situation
bomb shelter
vsrefugium
29 3.4

A strong place often underground where people stay to be safe from bombs

is used more generally for many danger types not only bombing
redoubt
vsrefugium
  • Specialized
4 9.9

A small temporary fort where soldiers defend a position

focuses on military defense not general shelter for civilians
abri
vsrefugium
  • UK
1 9.9

A man-made shelter that protects people from bad weather or attack

is a general safe place for people and groups during danger
harbor of refuge
vsrefugium
  • US
5.2

A place where people or ships find safety from danger

is the broader single word for a place giving safety

Antonyms

15 3.8

An area or situation where people are likely to be hurt

How Safe

asylum
126 5.7
sanctuary
142 4.1
refuge
177 3.3
refugium
1 9.6
shelter
299 1.0

Surface Forms

refugium singular
refugiums plural
refugia plural

Etymology

Refugium comes from the Latin parts re- 'back' and fugere 'to flee'. It is the same root as English refuge and refugee, so a refugium is a place you go for safety when you run away from danger.