refuge
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈrɛfjuːdʒ/
KK: /ˈrɛfjuːdʒ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To seek safety or shelter from danger or trouble.
Example
During the storm, many people took refuge in the nearby school.
Tense Forms
Past: refuged
Past Participle: refuged
Conversation
When the storm hit, I had to refuge in the basement.
That sounds terrifying! I hope you were safe down there.
Yeah, it was the only place that felt secure during the chaos.
I'm glad you found a refuge and stayed safe.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
shelter
retreat
seclude
Antonyms
expose
reveal
disclose
noun
Definition
A place that offers safety or shelter from danger or hardship.
Example
During the storm, the family found refuge in a nearby church.
Conversation
I really need a refuge from all this stress at work.
I totally get that! Sometimes a break is essential.
Yeah, I was thinking of going to the park for some fresh air.
transitive verb
Definition
To provide a safe place for someone or something, especially during a time of danger or trouble.
Example
The organization aims to refuge those fleeing from war zones.
Tense Forms
Past: refuged
Past Participle: refuged
Conversation
I heard you refuge stray animals at your house now.
Yeah, I just couldn’t turn them away when they needed help.
That's really kind of you to refuge them like that.
Root Explanation
Refuge → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back or again) and "fugere" (meaning to flee). The word "refuge" means a place to flee back to for safety or shelter.
Memory Tip
Think of finding a safe place to 'flee back' to when in danger — 're-' means back, and 'fugere' means to flee.
Visually Confused Words
regifuge
reurge
euge