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View synonyms for asylum

asylum

[ uh-sahy-luhm ]

noun

  1. (especially formerly) an institution for the maintenance and care of the mentally ill, orphans, or other persons requiring specialized assistance.
  2. an inviolable refuge, as formerly for criminals and debtors; sanctuary:

    He sought asylum in the church.

    Synonyms: retreat, shelter, haven

  3. International Law.
    1. a refuge granted an alien by a sovereign state on its own territory.
    2. a temporary refuge granted political offenders, especially in a foreign embassy.
  4. any secure retreat.


asylum

/ əˈsaɪləm /

noun

  1. a safe or inviolable place of refuge, esp as formerly offered by the Christian Church to criminals, outlaws, etc; sanctuary (often in the phrase give asylum to )
  2. shelter; refuge
  3. international law refuge afforded to a person whose extradition is sought by a foreign government

    political asylum

  4. obsolete.
    an institution for the shelter, treatment, or confinement of individuals, esp a mental hospital (formerly termed lunatic asylum )
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of asylum1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin, from Greek ásȳlon “sanctuary,” from a- a- 6 + sŷlon “right of seizure”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of asylum1

C15: via Latin from Greek asulon refuge, from asulos that may not be seized, from a- 1+ sulon right of seizure
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Unlike many migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats, the majority of those transported by Nick did not want to be found by authorities to formally claim asylum.

From BBC

As well as offering asylum to Afrikaners, the US leader has cut aid to South Africa and expelled its ambassador.

From BBC

For immigrants in ICE detention, who earn about $1 dollar a day, this would mean it would take nearly three years for them to earn enough money to apply for asylum.

From Salon

"They don't like the asylum seekers, they hit me in the back and I fell down," he says.

From BBC

Separate data released on Thursday by the Home Office showed the number of asylum seekers being housed in hotels has fallen - but is still higher than when Labour came to power last year.

From BBC

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asyllabicasylum seeker