1. institutions that provide care for people who are unable to care for themselves, especially those with mental illness
Usage: often historical
2. protection or shelter given by a country to people who have left their own country as political refugees
3. places offering protection or shelter from danger

Examples

• Many old asylums were closed when mental health care moved to community-based treatment.
• The refugees sought asylums in neighboring countries.
• Several countries granted asylums to the political dissidents.
• Historic asylums are now being converted into museums and hotels.
• The government processes thousands of asylum applications each year.
• Churches often served as asylums for those fleeing persecution.
• Modern psychiatric facilities have replaced the large asylums of the past.