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asylum

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The definition of asylum is protection, a place of rest or safety, or a place where people go when their mental condition keeps them from being able to live on their own.

(noun)

A hospital for the mentally ill is an example of an asylum.
A country that accepted a person from another country that was in danger is an example of a country that gave asylum to that person.

See asylum in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Obsolete a sanctuary, as a temple, where criminals, debtors, etc. were safe from arrest
a place where one is safe and secure; refuge
the protection given by a sanctuary or refuge or by one country to refugees from another country
an institution for the care of the mentally ill, or of the aged, the poor, etc.: in this sense, largely replaced by such terms as mental (or psychiatric) hospital, nursing home, etc.

Origin: L < Gr asylon < asylos, inviolable < a-, without + sylon, right of seizure

See asylum in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An institution for the care of people, especially those with physical or mental impairments, who require organized supervision or assistance.
A place offering protection and safety; a shelter.
A place, such as a church, formerly constituting an inviolable refuge for criminals or debtors.
The protection afforded by a sanctuary. See Synonyms at shelter.
Protection and immunity from extradition granted by a government to a political refugee from another country.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English asilum, refuge

Origin: , from Latin asȳlum

Origin: , from Greek asūlon, sanctuary

Origin: , from

Origin: neuter of asūlos, inviolable

Origin: : a-, without; see a-¹

Origin: + sūlon, right of seizure

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