asylum
asylum definition
asy·lum (ə sī′ləm)
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.
Etymology: L < Gr asylon < asylos, inviolable < a-, without + sylon, right of seizure
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Browse dictionary definitions near asylum

Posted at 2010-01-03 05:46:13