English · Culture & Society
asylum
/əˈsaɪ.ləm/
[/əˈsaɪ.ləm/]
protection for refugees
Advancednoun
Definition
Protection given by a country to someone who has fled danger in their own land. The word also historically meant a place of safety or care.
Example
The family sought asylum in a neighboring country after fleeing the violence at home.
The family sought asylum in a neighboring country after fleeing the violence at home.
Etymology
From Latin 'asylum', from Greek 'asylon' (sanctuary), from 'a-' (without) and 'sylon' (right of seizure).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in immigration law and humanitarian contexts.