C1noun formal 5K

Asylum

🇬🇧 UK /["/əˈsaɪləm/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/əˈsaɪləm/"]/

Meaning of Asylum

protection that a government gives to people who have left their own country, usually because they were in danger for political reasons

In simple words: A safe place where people can live when they are in danger.

Asylum in a sentence

• **to seek/apply for/be granted asylum**
• There was a nationwide debate on whether the asylum laws should be changed.
• She fled the country, and is now seeking asylum in Sweden.
• They applied for asylum after being tortured in their own country.
• She was granted political asylum by Canada in 2013.
• Over 400 people have been refused asylum.
• Those fleeing from the war have the right to asylum.

How to use Asylum

Typically used in legal contexts related to refugees or protection from persecution. Avoid in casual conversations. It's important to use it correctly in discussions about human rights.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'a-sigh-lum' — imagine someone sighing with relief in a safe building.

Related words

Collocations with Asylum

• political
• temporary
• apply for
• claim
• request
• seeker
• application
• case
• an application for asylum
• the right of asylum
• the right to asylum
• insane
• lunatic
• mental
• in an/​the asylum

Synonyms for Asylum

• refuge
• sanctuary
• shelter
• protection

Opposites of Asylum

• danger
• persecution
• threat

Common mistakes with Asylum

• Confused with 'sanctuary' — not all safe places offer legal protection.
• Using 'asylum' as a verb — it's only a noun.
• Mispronouncing as 'a-sigh-lum' instead of 'a-sigh-lum'.

Frequently asked questions about Asylum

What does Asylum mean?

A safe place where people can live when they are in danger.

What is the definition of Asylum?

protection that a government gives to people who have left their own country, usually because they were in danger for political reasons

How do you use Asylum in a sentence?

**to seek/apply for/be granted asylum**

Can you give another example of Asylum?

There was a nationwide debate on whether the asylum laws should be changed.

What are synonyms for Asylum?

Common alternatives include refuge, sanctuary, shelter, protection.

What is the opposite of Asylum?

Opposite meanings include danger, persecution, threat.

What words go with Asylum?

It commonly pairs with political, temporary, apply for, claim, request, seeker, application, case, an application for asylum, the right of asylum, the right to asylum, insane, lunatic, mental, in an/​the asylum.

What are common mistakes when using Asylum?

Confused with 'sanctuary' — not all safe places offer legal protection. Using 'asylum' as a verb — it's only a noun. Mispronouncing as 'a-sigh-lum' instead of 'a-sigh-lum'.

How do you pronounce Asylum?

US: /["/əˈsaɪləm/"]/, UK: /["/əˈsaɪləm/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Asylum formal or informal?

"Asylum" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Asylum?

Typically used in legal contexts related to refugees or protection from persecution. Avoid in casual conversations. It's important to use it correctly in discussions about human rights.

What CEFR level is Asylum?

"Asylum" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.