asylum: Meaning and Definition of

a•sy•lum

1. (esp. formerly) an institution for the maintenance and care of the mentally ill, orphans, or other persons requiring specialized assistance.
2. an inviolable refuge, as formerly for criminals and debtors; sanctuary: He sought asylum in the church.
1. a refuge granted an alien by a sovereign state on its own territory.
2. a temporary refuge granted political offenders, esp. in a foreign embassy.
4. any secure retreat.