WordValeasylum
protection given by a state to political refugees
In more detail
1. (noun) protection and safety given by a country to someone who has fled their own country for political reasons or to escape danger
2. (noun) a hospital where people with mental illness were treated (old-fashioned term)
Examples
- 1. She applied for asylum after fleeing the war in her country.
- 2. In the 19th century, many asylums were built to care for people with mental health problems.
How to use asylum
Asylum in the first sense refers to official legal protection and residence granted by a host country, commonly used in immigration and human rights contexts. The second sense is now largely historical and considered outdated; modern alternatives like psychiatric hospital or mental health facility are preferred. The word carries neutral-to-formal tone in contemporary usage.
Common phrases
- seek asylum
- grant asylum
- asylum seeker
- claim asylum
- political asylum
Synonyms
refuge · sanctuary · haven · shelter · safe haven
Word family
asylums (plural)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse asylum with the related but distinct concept of refuge; asylum specifically denotes the formal legal status and protection granted by a state, whereas refuge is broader and can simply mean any place of safety.
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