'refuge' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'refugium,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'fugere' meant 'to flee.'

'refugium' transformed into the Old French word 'refuge,' and eventually became the modern English word 'refuge' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a place to flee back to,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a place of safety or shelter.'