asylum
|a-sy-lum|
/əˈsaɪləm/
protection and refuge
Etymology
'asylum' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'asylon,' where 'a-' meant 'without' and 'sylon' meant 'right of seizure.'
'asylon' transformed into the Latin word 'asylum,' and eventually became the modern English word 'asylum' through Old French.
Initially, it meant 'a place of refuge,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'shelter' and 'institution for care.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a place offering protection and safety; a shelter.
The refugees sought asylum in a neighboring country.
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Noun 2
an institution for the care of people, especially those with physical or mental impairments, who require organized supervision or assistance.
The old asylum was converted into a museum.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35