|
| a·sy·lum [ ə sləm ] (plural a·sy·lums) |
noun |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. protection from extradition: protection and immunity from extradition granted by a government to somebody who has fled another country, e.g. because of political oppression
|
2. shelter and protection: protection from danger or imminent harm provided by a sheltered place
|
3. offensive term: an offensive term for an institution for people with psychiatric disorders
(
dated
)
|
4. history place of sanctuary: a place that once offered shelter to criminals and debtors, especially a church
|
| [15th century. Via Latin< Greek asulon "refuge" < asulos "without right of seizure" < sulon "right of seizure"] |
