asylum
uh-SY-luhm
/əˈsaɪ.ləm/
Protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee.
Implies official legal sanctuary granted by a host state against foreign threat.
The story behind the word. The ancient Greeks created places of 'asylon'—temples or shrines where sacred law forbade anyone from seizing or harming a person seeking safety. Literally meaning 'a place free from plunder,' the term entered medieval Latin and evolved into modern political sanctuary laws.
Word relationships
- sanctuary: Sanctuary can be physical shelter or spiritual refuge, whereas asylum is a formal legal status.
- extradition: Extradition is the surrender of an alleged criminal back to their home country's authorities.
Commonly confused with
- refuge: Refuge is general safety from danger; asylum is specific legal protection granted by a sovereign nation.
Collocations
- seek asylum
- grant asylum
- asylum seeker
Example sentences
- "The dissident requested political asylum upon landing at the international airport." International Law
Memory hook
In an ASYLUM, no one can SEY (say) you have no home; you are safe. Protection from seizure.
When not to use
Avoid using in medical contexts for mental health facilities in modern professional usage, as that sense is outdated and stigmatized.
Fun facts
- In ancient Greece, even suspected criminals could claim sanctuary in designated temples without risk of immediate arrest.
Related words
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