1. Protection and immunity from extradition granted by a government to somebody who has fled another country, e.g. because of political oppression.
2. A shelter and protection from danger, or imminent harm, provided by a sheltered place.
3. Currently an offensive term for an institution for people with psychiatric disorders or for mentally incompetent or unbalanced people.
4. A place that once offered shelter to criminals and debtors; especially, a church1.
5. A shelter from danger or hardship.