Asylum — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈsī-ləm/ asy·lum

Meaning & Definition of Asylum

Asylum (noun)

  1. an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors, sanctuary
  2. a place of retreat and security, shelter
  3. the protection or security afforded by an asylum, refuge

Asylum (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger

    "the embassy serves as an asylum for that country's nationals in need of help"

    similar: bolt-hole (chiefly British), harbor, harborage, haven, refuge, retreat, sanctuary, sanctum, shelter
    related: oasis, anchorage, mooring, port, cover, screen, abode, diggings, domicile, dwelling, habitation, house, housing, lodging, lodgment, pad, place, quarters, residence, rest, roof, cloister, closet, covert, den, hermitage, hideaway, hideout, lair, castle, fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, redoubt, stronghold, lean-to, lee, shed, windbreak

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Asylum

The most common words with a similar meaning to Asylum:

Chiefly British: bolt-hole
harbor, harborage, haven, refuge, retreat, sanctuary, sanctum, shelter

Related Words for Asylum

oasis, anchorage, mooring, port, cover, screen, abode, diggings, domicile, dwelling, habitation, house, housing, lodging, lodgment, pad, place, quarters, residence, rest, roof, cloister, closet, covert, den, hermitage, hideaway, hideout, lair, castle

Origin & Etymology of Asylum

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek asylon, neuter of asylos inviolable, from a- + sylon right of seizure

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Asylum

Words & Phrases Containing Asylum

insane asylum

Frequently Asked Questions about Asylum

What does "Asylum" mean?

"Asylum" means an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors, sanctuary. As a noun, it is defined as: an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors, sanctuary.

What is another word for "Asylum"?

Other words for "Asylum" include bolt-hole, harbor, harborage, haven, refuge, retreat, sanctuary and sanctum. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Asylum" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Asylum"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Asylum". Common alternatives include bolt-hole, harbor, harborage, haven, refuge, retreat, sanctuary, sanctum and shelter.

How do you use "Asylum" in a sentence?

Examples of "Asylum" in a sentence: "the embassy serves as an asylum for that country's nationals in need of help".

Is "Asylum" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Asylum" is a noun.

Is "Asylum" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Asylum" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Asylum"?

"Asylum" is pronounced /ə-ˈsī-ləm/ and divided into syllables as asy·lum.

What is the origin of the word "Asylum"?

"Asylum" comes from Middle English, from Latin, from Greek asylon, neuter of asylos inviolable, from a- + sylon right of seizure. First known use: 15th century.