a·sy·lum əˈsaɪləm / uh-sahy-luhm

noun

1. (especially formerly) an institution for the maintenance and care of the mentally ill, orphans, or other persons requiring specialized assistance.

2. an inviolable refuge; sanctuary

3. any secure retreat.

Origin:  Early 15the century, from Latin asylum "sanctuary," from Greek asylon "refuge," noun use of neutral of asylos "inviolable, safe from violence," from a- "without" + syle "right of seizure." So literally, "an inviolable place."