HOME > LOOK UP & LEARN

V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


asylum

noun

Definition: 1. a shelter from hardship or danger; 2. a hospital for the mentally disabled

Synonyms: sanctuary, shelter, refuge, safety, sanatorium

Antonyms:

Tips: Asylum originates from the Greek word asulon, meaning "refuge," which comes from asulos, meaning "without right of seizure." Someone who seeks asylum in another country is seeking refuge from the hardships he or she would have to endure in his or her own country.

Usage Examples:

Several hundred Cuban refugees managed to get onto U.S. soil and asked for political asylum. (sanctuary, shelter)

She was diagnosed with schizophrenia and spent six months in a mental asylum. (sanatorium)

They were granted asylum based on the hardships they suffered in their own country. (shelter, refuge)

The attorney specialized in cases having to do with the granting of political asylum. (safety, refuge)


Want to Learn More Words Like asylum?
Discover How You Can Improve Your
Vocabulary 10 to 100 Times Faster with
the Power Vocabulary Builder

Dear Friend,

The definition and lessons for the word asylum were made available by the Power Vocabulary Builder.

The Power Vocabulary Builder will help you develop a fuller, richer vocabulary 10 to 100 times faster than any other program available.

Visit the the Power Vocabulary Builder site right now to discover how you can get full access to this breakthrough program today!

What's your vocabulary level?
Power Vocabulary Builder
FREE E-mail Course!

Drop your details in the boxes below to receive a FREE vocabulary course: