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a·sy·lum

asylum

 
 
pronunciation:
saI lm
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: (old-fashioned) an institution for the care of those who are unable to maintain themselves, such as orphans or the severely mentally ill.
After their parents' death, the children were sent to an asylum.
synonyms:
home
similar words:
foster home, hospice, hospital, institution, madhouse, nursing home, orphanage, sanatorium, sanitarium
definition 2: a place of safety, as for political refugees; sanctuary.
Their home was an asylum for runaway slaves.
synonyms:
sanctuary
similar words:
cover, haven, refuge, shelter
definition 3: protection, as from extradition, that is granted by one country to political refugees from another.
The couple fled their country and sought asylum in the United States.
synonyms:
sanctuary
similar words:
protection
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