1
: an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors : sanctuary
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
After his arrest, Duffy had faked amnesia and sought asylum in a psychiatric hospital, where doctors prevented the police from interrogating him, but the pretense of the amnesia was exposed at the trial by his ex-wife and a friend.
—
Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
These foreigners did not seek or apply for asylum; it was voluntarily offered by the administration.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
The man, an asylum seeker, still had an open case before the court.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
Court is supposed to be a place where immigration claims, often for asylum, can get sorted out and individuals can potentially maintain the right to stay in the country.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for asylum
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Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
These foreigners did not seek or apply for asylum; it was voluntarily offered by the administration.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
The man, an asylum seeker, still had an open case before the court.
—Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
Court is supposed to be a place where immigration claims, often for asylum, can get sorted out and individuals can potentially maintain the right to stay in the country.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for asylum
Cite this Entry
“Asylum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asylum. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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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
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