asylum
Asylum refers to the protection and safety granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee. It can also historically refer to an institution providing care for people with mental illnesses or those requiring specialized assistance.
Examples
3 of 5The family decided to seek asylum in Canada after the conflict broke out.
The family looked for legal protection and a safe home in Canada following the war.
The government is required by international law to process all claims for political asylum.
The state must legally evaluate all requests for protection based on political persecution.
He's hoping they'll give him asylum so he doesn't have to go back.
He is wishing for legal safety to avoid returning to his country.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'A Safe LUMinous' place. Also, remember the Greek 'a-' (not) + 'syle' (seizure), meaning a place where you cannot be seized.
Quick Quiz
After the coup, the journalist fled to the neighboring country to ask for political _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: asylum
Examples
The family decided to seek asylum in Canada after the conflict broke out.
everydayThe family looked for legal protection and a safe home in Canada following the war.
The government is required by international law to process all claims for political asylum.
formalThe state must legally evaluate all requests for protection based on political persecution.
He's hoping they'll give him asylum so he doesn't have to go back.
informalHe is wishing for legal safety to avoid returning to his country.
The 1951 Refugee Convention established the fundamental principles regarding the granting of territorial asylum.
academicThe legal document from 1951 defined the rules for providing safety within a country's borders.
The law firm specializes in complex asylum cases involving high-profile whistleblowers.
businessThe legal office works on difficult protection cases for famous informants.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
apply for asylum
to formally ask a government for protection
territorial asylum
protection granted within the physical borders of a state
insane asylum
a dated and often offensive term for a psychiatric hospital
Often Confused With
Sanctuary is a general place of safety, whereas asylum is a specific legal status granted by a government.
Refuge is the condition of being safe from pursuit, while asylum is the formal protection of a political refugee.
Usage Notes
In modern English, 'asylum' is almost exclusively used in a legal and political context regarding refugees. Avoid using the word to refer to mental health facilities unless discussing historical contexts, as it is now considered archaic and stigmatizing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'asylum' to refer to the person (the refugee), but 'asylum' is the protection itself; the person is an 'asylum seeker'.
Memory Tip
Think of 'A Safe LUMinous' place. Also, remember the Greek 'a-' (not) + 'syle' (seizure), meaning a place where you cannot be seized.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'asylon', meaning 'inviolable' or 'a place safe from seizure'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The concept of asylum dates back to ancient religious traditions where temples provided 'sanctuary' to those fleeing punishment.
Quick Quiz
After the coup, the journalist fled to the neighboring country to ask for political _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: asylum
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