French word

asile

Pronunciation

IPA/azil/

Meaning

  • masculine nounasylum

Example

Elle a demandé l'asile.

She asked for asylum.

Illustration for asile (asylum)

More examples

Il a obtenu l'asile politique.

He obtained political asylum.

Core concept

An official safe status that turns a person's search for refuge into recognized protection.

Common phrases

  • demander l'asile

    seek asylum

  • demande d'asile

    asylum application

  • asile politique

    political asylum

Similar words

refuge: A temporary place of safety for those escaping danger or persecution.
abri: A simple place of shelter from rain, wind, cold, or other harsh weather.

Definition in French

Protection officielle ou statut accordé par un État ou une institution à une personne qui cherche refuge contre des persécutions ou des menaces.

Word origin

The French noun asile derives from Latin asylum, borrowed from Greek asylon for a sanctuary where violation was forbidden.

Usage tips

  • In modern French, asile usually refers to legal or political protection, while refuge and abri more often name a physical shelter.

Other meanings

  • mental hospitalnoun

Word lists with this word