rhizoverbBeta
DictionarysanctumPrivate retreat
noun

sanctum

SANGK-tum/ˈsæŋktəm/

A protected place set apart from ordinary access.

Her upstairs study is a sanctum where she works undisturbed.

A quiet private study behind a nearly closed wooden door: single comfortable chair, desk and blank closed book; intimate reserved space, no signage or busy shelves.
Etymology
sanctumLatinholy place

Latin sanctum meant a holy place. The idea of a space set apart as sacred later extended to a person's private room or retreat.

In context

Expat UK5:24
the treasury is The Keeper of the secrets budget plans are highly Market sensitive and only a few mandarins are allowed access to the inner sanctum
BBC The Great Offices of State: 3. The Secret Treasury

More examples

  • Only the priests may enter the temple's inner sanctum.
  • He treats his workshop as a sanctum, closed to visitors.
  • She escapes to her garden sanctum after a busy day.

Forms

sanctum · sanctums · sancta

Similar words

sanctuary
Emphasizes safety or shelter rather than privacy or restricted access.
retreat
Emphasizes withdrawing from daily pressures rather than exclusion of others.