Sanctuary vs. Shrine — What's the Difference?

A sanctuary, in its original meaning, is a sacred place, such as a shrine. By the use of such places as a haven, by extension the term has come to be used for any place of safety.

A shrine (Latin: scrinium "case or chest for books or papers"; Old French: escrin "box or case") is a sacred or holy site dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, daemon, or similar figure of respect, wherein they are venerated or worshipped. Shrines often contain idols, relics, or other such objects associated with the figure being venerated.

A sacred place, such as a church, temple, or mosque.

A place where devotion is paid to a deity or deities, as in Shinto.

The holiest part of a sacred place, as the part of a Christian church around the altar.

The tomb of a saint or other venerated person.

A sacred place, such as a church, in which fugitives formerly were immune to arrest.

A location where an important event in the life of a holy person is thought to have occurred.

Immunity to arrest afforded by a sanctuary

A container or receptacle for sacred relics; a reliquary.

The condition of being protected or comforted

A site hallowed by association with a revered person or object or with an important event

A place of refuge or asylum.

To enshrine.

A reserved area in which birds and other animals, especially wild animals, are protected from hunting or disturbance.

A holy or sacred place dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, or similar figure of awe and respect, at which said figure is venerated or worshipped.

A place of safety, refuge, or protection.

A case, box, or receptacle, especially one in which are deposited sacred relics, as the bones of a saint.

An area set aside for protection.

(figuratively) A place or object hallowed from its history or associations.

A state of being protected, asylum.

To enshrine; to place reverently, as if in a shrine.

The consecrated (or sacred) area of a church or temple around its tabernacle or altar.

A case, box, or receptacle, especially one in which are deposited sacred relics, as the bones of a saint.

A sacred place; a consecrated spot; a holy and inviolable site.

Any sacred place, as an altar, tromb, or the like.

A consecrated place where sacred objects are kept

A place or object hallowed from its history or associations; as, a shrine of art.

A shelter from danger or hardship

Short for Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, a secret fraternal organization professedly originated by one Kalif Alu, a son-in-law of Mohammed, at Mecca, in the year of the Hegira 25 (about 646 a. d.) In the modern order, established in the United States in 1872, only Knights Templars or thirty-second degree Masons are eligible for admission, though the order itself is not Masonic. A member of the order is popularly called a Shriner, and the order itself is sometimes called the Shriners.

Area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir; often enclosed by a lattice or railing

To enshrine; to place reverently, as in a shrine.

A place of worship hallowed by association with some sacred thing or person

Enclose in a shrine;