asylum

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /əˈsaɪləm/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular asylum

Plural asylums

1. (uncountable) If a country or a church gives someone asylum, it allows them to stay because they would face troubles if they left.

   The government granted asylum to the refugees.

2. (countable) An asylum is a place where people that are mentally unhealthy are put.
   • Synonym: mental institution