άσυλα
Wordform Details
Translation: asylumsanctuary
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
neuterpluralaccusativeIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: άσυλο
Translation: asylum; sanctuary; refuge (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek 'ἄσυλον' (asylon), which is derived from 'α-' (a-, 'not') + 'συλάω' (sylaō, 'to plunder, rob'). The original meaning was 'inviolable place' or 'place where one cannot be seized'. This concept was important in ancient Greek society where temples and sacred places offered protection to those seeking refuge. The English word 'asylum' comes directly from this Greek root.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'asylum' in English, which sounds similar and has the same meaning.
- Remember 'a-sylo' means 'not-plundered' - a place where you can't be seized or harmed.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greece, the concept of 'πανεπιστημιακό άσυλο' (university asylum) has been particularly significant, prohibiting police from entering university grounds without permission from university authorities. This was established after the 1973 student uprising against the military junta at the Athens Polytechnic and has been a contentious political issue in recent years.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'άσυλο' is the noun meaning 'asylum' or 'sanctuary', 'άσυλος' is the adjective meaning 'inviolable' or 'immune'.
Confused word:
Ο χώρος είναι άσυλος.
The area is inviolable.
Notes: The adjective 'άσυλος' is less commonly used in everyday speech than the noun 'άσυλο'.
Mnemonic: 'άσυλο' (with -o ending) is the place, while 'άσυλος' (with -os ending) is the quality.
Explanation: 'άσυλο' means 'asylum' or 'sanctuary', while 'σύλο' (though not common in Modern Greek) would be related to plundering or seizure - essentially the opposite concept.
Notes: This contrast highlights the etymology of 'άσυλο' as a place where one cannot be seized.
Mnemonic: Remember that the 'α-' prefix in 'άσυλο' negates the concept of 'σύλο' (seizure).