asylum

noun

asy·​lum ə-ˈsī-ləm 

1

: an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors : sanctuary

2

: a place of retreat and security : shelter

3

a

: the protection or security afforded by an asylum : refuge

b

: protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees by a nation or by an embassy or other agency enjoying freedom from what is required by law for most people

4

somewhat old-fashioned : an institution providing care and protection to needy individuals (such as the infirm or destitute) and especially the mentally ill

Synonyms

• bolt-hole [chiefly British]
• harbor
• harborage
• haven
• refuge
• retreat
• sanctuary
• sanctum
• shelter

Examples of asylum in a Sentence

She asked for political asylum.

She was granted asylum after it was made clear that she would be killed if she returned to her native country.

Recent Examples on the Web

What helped crystallize this was an experience in Israel around 2015 when the government was trying to deport asylum seekers. —Ashoka, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

The decision to admit the Afrikaners, who are a minority in their country, came despite the administration's crackdown on admissions of other asylum seekers. —Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

But, midway through their journey north, President Donald Trump, in one of his first acts, effectively suspended political asylum at the border. —Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 10 May 2025

However, with a backlog of more than 3 million asylum cases, many face years of uncertainty before even receiving an interview. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek asylon, neuter of asylos inviolable, from a- + sylon right of seizure

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing asylum

• insane asylum

Rhymes for asylum

• phylum
• whilom
• xylem

Kids Definition

asylum

noun

asy·​lum ə-ˈsī-ləm 

1

: a place of safety : shelter

2

: protection given especially to political refugees

3

: an institution for the care of those unable to care for themselves and especially for the mentally ill

Medical Definition

asylum

noun

asy·​lum ə-ˈsī-ləm 

: an institution providing care and protection to needy individuals (such as the infirm or destitute) and especially the mentally ill

Legal Definition

asylum

noun

asy·​lum ə-ˈsī-ləm 

: protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees by a nation or by an embassy or other agency that has diplomatic immunity