asylum
US /əˈsaɪ.ləm/
UK /əˈsaɪ.ləm/
1.
the protection granted by a state to someone who has left their home country as a political refugee
:
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Many people seek asylum in neighboring countries during times of war.
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She was granted political asylum after fleeing her country.
2.
an institution for the care of people with mental illness
:
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In the past, people with severe mental health issues were often sent to an asylum.
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The old asylum building is now a historical landmark.