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Fortress vs Sanctuary - What's the difference?

fortress | sanctuary |

As nouns the difference between fortress and sanctuary

is that fortress is a fortified place; a large and permanent fortification, sometimes including a town; a fort; a castle; a stronghold; a place of defense or security while sanctuary is a place of safety, refuge, or protection.

As a verb fortress

is to furnish with a fortress or with fortresses; to guard; to fortify.

fortress

English

Noun

(wikipedia fortress) (es)
  • A fortified place; a large and permanent fortification, sometimes including a town; a fort; a castle; a stronghold; a place of defense or security.
  • (chess) A position that, if obtained by the weaker side, will prevent penetration by the opposing side, generally achieving a draw.
  • See also

    * fortalice, fortilice

    Verb

  • To furnish with a fortress or with fortresses; to guard; to fortify.
  • sanctuary

    Noun

    (sanctuaries)
  • A place of safety, refuge or protection.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham)
  • , title=(The China Governess) , chapter=Foreword citation , passage=‘I understand that the district was considered a sort of sanctuary ,’ the Chief was saying. ‘An Alsatia like the ancient one behind the Strand, or the Saffron Hill before the First World War. […]’}}
    My car is a sanctuary , where none can disturb me except for people who cut me off.
  • An area set aside for protection.
  • The bird sanctuary has strict restrictions on visitors so the birds aren't disturbed.
  • A state of being protected, asylum.
  • The government granted sanctuary to the defector, protecting him from his former government.
  • The consecrated (or sacred) area of a church or temple around its tabernacle or altar.
  • Synonyms

    * haven * presbytery * refuge * zoar * shelter