refuge
UK[ˈrefjuːdʒ]US[ˈrefjuːdʒ]
n
shelter or protection from danger, trouble, or something unpleasant
n
a place that provides shelter or protection
Morpheme Breakdown
re
fuge
re
back, again
fuge
to flee
Etymology
The word "refuge" entered English in the late 14th century from Old French refuge, which itself came from Latin refugium. This Latin noun is a compound of the prefix re-, meaning "back," and the root fugere, meaning "to flee." The literal sense is "a place to flee back to" or "a place of escape." This concrete meaning of a safe haven evolved from the core action of fleeing from danger. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass not just the physical place of safety but also the abstract state of being sheltered or protected from any kind of threat or distress.
Analysis
Structure: re (back, again) + fuge (to flee)
• re-: A Latin prefix meaning "back" or "again."
• -fuge: From Latin fugere, meaning "to flee."
Examples
During the storm, they sought refuge in a nearby cave.
The wildlife sanctuary provides a refuge for endangered species.
He found emotional refuge in his music during difficult times.