asylum

noun

asy·​lum ə-ˈsī-ləm How to pronounce asylum (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Aside from the tensions with Belarus, Poland has also long been at odds with the EU’s leadership over the issue of refugees and asylum across the bloc. Frey Lindsay, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Had Reyes Mota still been in the United States, the hearing related to his asylum request would have been a commonplace matter. Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025 Trump administration officials have also announced plans to more heavily scrutinize and review the social media accounts of immigrants applying for legal status, including U.S. citizenship, green cards and asylum. Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2025 The film follows an undocumented Mexican woman and restaurant owner whose asylum petition is denied, leaving her with just 30 days to self-deport. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for asylum

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of asylum was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Asylum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asylum. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

asylum

noun
asy·​lum ə-ˈsī-ləm How to pronounce asylum (audio)
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 How to pronounce asylum (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce asylum (audio)
: protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees by a nation or by an embassy or other agency that has diplomatic immunity

More from Merriam-Webster on asylum

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