n.
Pronunciation: ə - ' s ī -l ə m
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, from Greek asylon, neuter of asylos inviolable, from a- + sylon right of seizure
Date: 15th century
1 : an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors : SANCTUARY
2 : a place of retreat and security : SHELTER
3 a : the protection or inviolability afforded by an asylum : REFUGE b : protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees by a nation or by an embassy or other agency enjoying diplomatic immunity
4 : an institution for the care of the destitute or sick and especially the insane