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 of asylum

• refuge
• shelter
• sanctuary
• retreat

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

That includes detainees whose circumstances mirror the couple’s, arrested despite having pending asylum claims and valid work permits. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026

Investigate conditions at New York’s infamous asylum on Blackwell’s Island. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Nov. 2026

Teganya fled Rwanda in July 1994 and later sought asylum in Canada. — Ignatius Ssuuna, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

During the Biden administration, New York, Chicago, Boston and Denver all saw a surge in asylum seekers who turned up at homeless shelters. — Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026

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