seek refuge with

USAGE SUMMARY

"seek refuge with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to seek shelter or protection from someone or something. Example: The villagers had no choice but to seek refuge with the neighboring tribe, as their own village was under attack.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Even his army chief of staff abandoned his post, to seek refuge with South African diplomats.

The New York Times

Sansa fled King's Landing with Lord Baelish (Littlefinger) to seek refuge with her aunt, Lysa Arryn.

Independent

"If we fail — we seek refuge with God from that — it does not mean an end of the matter.

The New Yorker

Alfonso VI of Leon, defeated at Golpejera on the Carrión River in January 1072, had to seek refuge with the Moorish king of Toledo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She was last seen fleeing after striking Doug with a rock in the season finale, and presumably will seek refuge with Lisa (the girl from the church).

Independent

With that, we return to Hannibal, beaten by the Romans, driven from his native Carthage, and forced to seek refuge with King Prusias of Bithynia.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Sanatruces sought refuge with the Sacaraucase, a Scythian tribe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Friday, then fled and sought refuge with the Taliban.

The New York Times

Mr. Pink then sought refuge with the Taliban.

The New York Times

He, too, sought refuge with his ethnic group, the Luo.

The New York Times

At 13, she fled the war in Chechnya, seeking refuge with family in Russia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about people fleeing conflict or disaster, use the phrase "seek refuge with" to humanize the situation and emphasize the need for safety and support. For example, "After the earthquake, many villagers sought refuge with relatives in neighboring towns."

Common error

Avoid saying someone "seeks refuge in someone". The correct preposition is "with", indicating they are seeking protection from someone or something by going to someone else.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seek refuge with" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of seeking safety and protection by affiliating with a person, group, or entity. It describes the act of fleeing from danger and finding shelter or support elsewhere. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

19%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

HuffPost

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seek refuge with" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of finding safety and protection by affiliating with someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using the phrase, remember that "with" is the appropriate preposition, indicating the source providing the refuge. Alternatives include "take shelter with" and "find sanctuary with", but the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid using "in" when a person or group is providing the refuge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take shelter with

Focuses more on the physical act of finding shelter, less about ongoing protection.

find sanctuary with

Implies a sacred or protected place, suggesting a deeper level of safety.

seek asylum from

Specifically refers to legal protection from persecution, often from a government.

ask for protection from

A more direct request for safeguarding or defense.

turn to for safety

Emphasizes reliance on someone for protection, suggesting a relationship.

appeal to for aid

Highlights the act of formally requesting assistance, often in a desperate situation.

look to for help

Implies a sense of hope and expectation for support.

run to for comfort

Focuses on emotional support and solace rather than physical safety.

throw oneself on the mercy of

Highlights a desperate plea, implying a lack of other options.

entrust oneself to

Suggests placing one's well-being entirely in the hands of another, indicating profound trust.

FAQs

How can I use "seek refuge with" in a sentence?

You can use "seek refuge with" to describe someone fleeing danger and finding safety with another person, group, or entity. For example, "The refugees sought refuge with the UN peacekeeping forces."

What can I say instead of "seek refuge with"?

You can use alternatives like "take shelter with", "find sanctuary with", or "ask for protection from" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "seek refuge with" or "seek refuge in"?

"Seek refuge with" is correct when the refuge is provided by someone or a group. "Seek refuge in" is appropriate when referring to a place, such as “seek refuge in a cave”. However, when people are providing the refuge, use "with".

What is the difference between "seek asylum from" and "seek refuge with"?

"Seek asylum from" specifically refers to seeking legal protection from persecution by a government. "Seek refuge with" is a more general term referring to seeking safety and shelter from any danger.