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

The United States should also uphold the rights of migrants and asylum seekers fleeing the crisis in Venezuela. —Tirana Hassan, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024

In 2018, Trump criticized federal Judge Jon Tigar, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama and ruled against Trump in a case to restrict asylum seekers at the border. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

This would mean that, even as America seeks to remove undocumented individuals from its borders, it could simultaneously be pressured to admit a new wave of asylum seekers from Europe. —Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

While Vice President Kamala Harris has vowed to keep and strengthen Mr. Biden's asylum restrictions, Trump has promised to seal the southern border altogether, including by discontinuing the CBP One app and other programs that allow migrants to enter the U.S. legally. —Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 1 Nov. 2024

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

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