refuge

UK: /ˈrɛfjuːdʒ/ US: /ˈrɛfjudʒ/ ,(ref′yo̅o̅j)

Inflections of 'refuge' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

refuges

v 3rd person singular

refuging

v pres p

refuged

v past

refuged

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ref•uge /ˈrɛfyudʒ/   n. 

1. shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.:
   [uncountable] The high ground gave them refuge from the floodwaters.
2. a place of shelter, protection, or safety:
   [countable] a refuge from the storm; a wildlife refuge.

See -fug-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

ref•uge  (ref′yo̅o̅j), n., v., -uged, -ug•ing. 
n. 

1. shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.:
   to take refuge from a storm.
2. a place of shelter, protection, or safety.
3. anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.

v.t. 

4. [Archaic.] to afford refuge to.

v.i. 

5. [Archaic.] to take refuge.

• Latin refugium, equivalent. to refug(ere) to turn and flee, run away (re- re- + fugere to flee; see fugitive) + -ium -ium
• Middle French
• Middle English 1350–1400

Synonyms

• 1. security, safety.
• 2. asylum, retreat, sanctuary, haven, stronghold.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

refuge / ˈrɛfjuːdʒ/ noun

1. shelter or protection, as from the weather or danger
2. any place, person, action, or thing that offers or appears to offer protection, help, or relief

Etymology: 14th Century: via Old French from Latin refugium, from refugere to flee away, from re- + fugere to escape