Definition of: asylum

(ə·sī′ləm) noun plural ·lums or ·la (-lə)
1. An institution for the care of some class of afflicted, unfortunate, aged, or destitute persons; a retreat.
2. A place of refuge; retreat; shelter.
3. An inviolable shelter from arrest or punishment, as a temple or church in ancient times.
4. The protection afforded by a sanctuary or refuge. See synonyms under REFUGE.
—right of asylum In international law:
1. The right to protection from arrest, subject to the will of the official in charge, enjoyed by a person who takes refuge in a foreign embassy or ministry or on a foreign warship.
2. The right to sanctuary enjoyed by troops or naval vessels taking refuge in neutral territory or waters.
3. Formerly, the right to shelter from extradition granted a political refugee in a foreign country. [<L <Gk. asylon <a- without + sylon right of seizure]