asylum

asy·lum

noun \ə-ˈsī-ləm\

Definition of ASYLUM

1

: an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors : sanctuary

2

: a place of retreat and security : shelter

3

a : the protection or inviolability afforded by an asylum : refuge b : protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees by a nation or by an embassy or other agency enjoying diplomatic immunity

4

: an institution for the care of the destitute or sick and especially the insane

Examples of ASYLUM

1. She asked for political asylum.
2. She was granted asylum after it was made clear that she would be killed if she returned to her native country.

Origin of ASYLUM

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek asylon, neuter of asylos inviolable, from a- + sylon right of seizure

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to ASYLUM

Synonyms: madhouse, bedlam, institution

Related Words: hospital; halfway house, home; hospice, sanatorium, sanitarium, sanitorium

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Rhymes with ASYLUM

subphylum