asylum
//əˈsaɪləm//
Noun
asylumSingular
asylumsPlural
1
Protection or shelter granted by a nation to someone who has left their home country as a political refugee.
She applied for political asylum after fleeing her country.
2
A place of refuge or safety; a sanctuary.
The old church served as an asylum for those fleeing the storm.
3
(dated) An institution for the care of people with mental illnesses.
The old asylum on the hill was closed down decades ago.