ASYLUM Meaning and
Definition
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Asylum refers to a place of refuge or protection for individuals who are seeking safety from persecution, war, or other forms of danger in their home country. It is a term most commonly associated with the granting of legal protection and shelter to individuals known as asylum seekers or refugees. These individuals flee their home countries due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership within a particular social group. Seeking asylum is often seen as a fundamental human right, recognized by international law.
The act of granting asylum involves the evaluation of an individual's circumstances, typically by government authorities, to determine the legitimacy of their claims and the level of threat faced in their home country. Once granted asylum, individuals receive a legal status that allows them to reside temporarily or permanently in the country that has granted them protection. This status provides rights and benefits similar to those of citizens, such as access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
The concept of asylum has historical origins dating back to ancient civilizations, where certain temples, churches, or cities were recognized as sites of sanctuary. Today, countries have established legal frameworks and procedures to handle asylum requests, aiming to ensure fair and just treatment of individuals seeking protection. However, the process is often complex and can be subject to political debates and controversies, as countries balance the need to provide safety to those in need with concerns about national security and economic implications.
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An institution for the housing and care, under restraint, of those who by reason of tender age, mental or bodily infirmities, etc., are unable to care for themselves. In the United States the public insane asylums are now usually called State hospitals.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A place of refuge; a sanctuary; a place out of which he that has fied to it may not be taken.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ASYLUM *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ASYLUM
Etymology of ASYLUM
The word "asylum" is derived from the Latin word "asylum", which itself comes from the Greek word "asylos". In Greek, "asylos" means "inviolable" or "safe from harm". The term originally referred to a sacred place or sanctuary, typically a temple or a sacred grove, where individuals sought protection or refuge from physical harm, religious persecution, or legal punishment. Over time, the word expanded its meaning to include institutions or organizations that offer refuge, protection, or shelter to people in need, including mental health facilities or institutions for the care and treatment of the mentally ill.
Idioms with the word ASYLUM
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the inmates have taken over the asylum
The idiom "the inmates have taken over the asylum" means that a situation has become chaotic or out of control because the people who are supposed to be in charge or responsible are acting in an irrational or unpredictable manner. It suggests that those who are normally expected to maintain order or make sensible decisions are now acting in a way that is detrimental or absurd.
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the inmates are running the asylum
The idiom "the inmates are running the asylum" refers to a situation where the people who are supposed to be controlled or managed are instead the ones making the decisions and taking control, often resulting in chaos or disorder. It implies that the person or group in charge has lost control or authority over the situation and that those who are supposed to be subordinate have taken control.
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the lunatics have taken over the asylum
The idiom "the lunatics have taken over the asylum" is used to describe a situation where people who are inexperienced, irrational, or unfit for the task at hand, have gained control or authority. It suggests that chaos, disorder, or incompetence is prevailing in a particular situation or organization.
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the lunatics are running the asylum
The idiom "the lunatics are running the asylum" is used to describe a situation where incompetence or irrationality prevails over reason or common sense. It implies that people who are unfit or mentally unstable are in charge or have control over a particular institution, organization, or situation. It suggests a lack of order, discipline, or rational decision-making.
Similar spelling words for ASYLUM
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