Asylum Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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asylum

[ษ™หˆsaษชlษ™m ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

seeking protection

An institution offering shelter and support to people who are mentally ill or seeking protection from danger or persecution.

Synonyms

refuge, sanctuary, shelter.

Examples of usage

  • The refugees found asylum in the neighboring country.
  • She sought asylum from the oppressive regime.
Context #2 | Noun

legal status

The protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee.

Synonyms

immunity, protection, sanctuary.

Examples of usage

  • He applied for asylum after fleeing his war-torn homeland.
  • The government granted her asylum after a thorough review of her case.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

History

  • During the Middle Ages, many European countries established asylums specifically for the mentally ill, aiming to provide care instead of punishment.
  • The 18th Century Enlightenment movement sparked reforms that shifted the view on mental health, leading to better conditions in asylums.
  • In 1950s America, the trend moved away from large state-run asylums toward community-based care, changing how mental health is managed.

Global Perspectives

  • Asylum laws vary greatly around the world; some countries provide refuge for those fleeing war, while others may have strict criteria.
  • In modern contexts, individuals can apply for asylum based on political persecution, ethnic discrimination, or human rights violations.
  • The concept of asylum as a human right emerged after World War II, highlighting the need for protection of individuals in dire circumstances.

Psychology

  • Asylum can evoke various emotions, including safety, fear, or hope, depending on oneโ€™s experiences with seeking refuge.
  • The stigma around mental health care in some societies often affects perceptions of those seeking asylum in mental health facilities.
  • Research indicates that safe environments are crucial for mental recovery, illustrating the importance of supportive settings.

Literature

  • Asylum has been a common theme in literature, often explored in narratives of survival, personal transformation, and societal critique.
  • Many novels depict protagonists seeking asylum in various forms, symbolizing their search for safety or belonging in a chaotic world.
  • In poetry, asylums are sometimes metaphorically used to represent inner struggles or the desire for freedom from societal norms.

Origin of 'asylum'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'asylum' comes from the Latin 'asylum,' which means a place of refuge or sanctuary.
  • Historically, the Greek word 'asulon' referred to a place that could not be seized, emphasizing safety and protection.
  • In ancient times, churches often served as asylums where people sought refuge from persecution or punishment.

The word 'asylum' originated from the Latin word 'asylum', meaning 'sanctuary'. In ancient Greece and Rome, an asylum was a sacred place where individuals could find protection and refuge from persecution. Over time, the concept evolved to include institutions for the mentally ill and later expanded to provide legal protection to political refugees. The modern usage of 'asylum' reflects its historical roots in offering shelter and support to those in need of protection.


Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,644 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.