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asylum

[/əˈsaɪ.ləm/]
nounmasculinepl: asylums
asilo
1. Protection or refuge granted by a state to a person who has left their native country as a political refugee
The family sought asylum in a neighboring country after the war.
A família procurou asilo em um país vizinho após a guerra.
2. A hospital or institution for the care of people with mental illness
The old asylum was converted into a museum.
O antigo asilo foi convertido em um museu.
3. A place of safety or refuge
The church served as an asylum for those fleeing persecution.
A igreja serviu como um asilo para os que fugiam da perseguição.
Synonyms
refugesanctuaryshelterhavenprotection
Antonyms
exposuredangerpersecution

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
asilo
Most common usage for refuge or institution
Portugal
asilo
Standard usage; also 'refúgio' for sanctuary
Brazil
refúgio
Alternative term used for political refuge
Portugal
instituição mental
More modern term for mental health facility instead of asilo

Related Idioms & Phrases

seek asylum - procurar asilo
grant asylum - conceder asilo
asylum seeker - solicitante de asilo
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