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

Just as 20th-century Jewish refugees faced restrictions that forced them into the shadows, today’s migrants—whether Venezuelan asylum seekers or Ukrainian refugees — have to navigate a labyrinth of legal roadblocks. —Mark Treyger, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2025

Thousands of migrants camped at the border had their asylum appointments abruptly canceled. —Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025

An immigration court also ruled against deporting Abrego Garcia to El Salvador under an asylum order. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025

An immigration judge denied their claims, and later in February 2025, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision, denying their asylum petition. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 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