First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
asylum
noun asy·lum \ə-ˈsī-ləm\
: protection given by a government to someone who has left another country in order to escape being harmed
: a hospital where people who are mentally ill are cared for especially for long periods of time : a mental hospital
Full 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
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Origin of ASYLUM
Middle English, from Latin, from Greek asylon, neuter of asylos inviolable, from a- + sylon right of seizure
Related to ASYLUM
- Synonyms
- madhouse, bedlam, institution
Rhymes with ASYLUM
ASYLUM Defined for Kids
asylum
noun asy·lum \ə-ˈsī-ləm\
Definition of ASYLUM for Kids
1
: a place of protection and shelter <They sought asylum from the storm.>
2
: protection given especially to political refugees
3
: a place for the care of the poor or the physically or mentally ill
Medical Dictionary
asylum
noun asy·lum \ə-ˈsī-ləm\
Medical Definition of ASYLUM
: an institution for the relief or care of the destitute or sick and especially the insane
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