Question

A place that provides refuge
A) Asylum
B) Sanatorium
C) Shelter
D) Orphanage

Answer 1

Hint: This place of protection is inviolable, i.e. it cannot be broken into, infringed or dishonoured. This kind of refuge is often associated with mental patients.

Complete answer:
To take refuge means to be safe or protected. It also refers to a place or an institution established to provide safe accommodation.
Option A) Asylum – It is a place that provides refuge and protection to criminals, debtors, etc. Asylum also refers to the state in which a person is provided refuge in a foreign country, and it is said that the foreign nation has granted asylum to that particular person. Therefore, this is the correct option.
Option B) Sanatorium – It is a place that has been established for the treatment of medical patients suffering from chronic diseases or long term illnesses. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.
Option C) Shelter – It refers to a place or a basic architectural structure that provides temporary protection from any dangers or harsh conditions of the local environment. It is generally a temporary structure and cannot provide refuge. Thus, this option is also wrong.
Option D) Orphanage – It refers to a residential place that is established for the care and education of orphans. It is not known as a place that would provide protection and safety specifically. Thus, this option is incorrect.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (A) Asylum.

Note: The word asylum has Greek origins. It comes from the Greek word ‘sulon’ which means ‘right to seize or capture’. The Greek word ‘asulos’ means ‘without the right to seize or capture’ or ‘inviolable’. This gave rise to the word ‘asulon’ meaning ‘refuge’. This was later incorporated in the English language as ‘asylum’ meaning ‘a place that provides refuge’.