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asylums - 2 dictionary results

a⋅sy⋅lum

  [uh-sahy-luhm]
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–noun
1. (esp. 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.
3. International Law.
a. a refuge granted an alien by a sovereign state on its own territory.
b. a temporary refuge granted political offenders, esp. in a foreign embassy.
4. any secure retreat.
Origin:
1400–50; late ME; < L < Gk ásȳlon sanctuary, equiv. to a- a- 6 + sŷlon right of seizure

Synonyms:
2. haven, shelter, retreat.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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a·sy·lum   (ə-sī'ləm)   
n.  
  1. An institution for the care of people, especially those with physical or mental impairments, who require organized supervision or assistance.
  2. A place offering protection and safety; a shelter.
  3. A place, such as a church, formerly constituting an inviolable refuge for criminals or debtors.
  4. The protection afforded by a sanctuary. See Synonyms at shelter.
  5. Protection and immunity from extradition granted by a government to a political refugee from another country.

[Middle English asilum, refuge, from Latin asȳlum, from Greek asūlon, sanctuary, from neuter of asūlos, inviolable : a-, without; see a-1 + sūlon, right of seizure.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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