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
Synonyms
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 vast majority of asylum claims — in which immigrants claim fear of persecution or torture if they are removed to their home countries — in recent years have been defensive claims.
—
Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 12 Apr. 2024
Or heroes? Recommended Overall asylum claims from Russian citizens have surged since the full-scale invasion, but few are winning protection.
—Erika Kinetz, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Apr. 2024
Immigration experts have pointed to increasing violence in parts of Mexico driving people north, and criticized the CBP app for forcing people seeking asylum to wait in dangerous and overcrowded conditions.
—David Culver, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
The most recent incident involving Cuban security forces breaking into an embassy happened on July 13, 1990, when four Cuban police officers chased a man who had jumped a gate at the Spanish Embassy in Havana seeking asylum.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2024
Autumn Gonzalez, an employment attorney, helps lead free monthly legal help clinics in Sacramento for those preparing to file applications for asylum.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024
While politicians have implemented draconian ways to stem the flow of asylum seekers inundating the U.S.-Mexico border, Rangel-Samponaro is among those caring for the most innocent and desperate migrants — the children.
—Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
People seeking asylum have lived anywhere from days to years at embassies around the world, including at Ecuador’s in London, which housed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for seven years because British police could not enter to arrest him.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2024
People seeking asylum have lived anywhere from days to years living at embassies around the world, including at Ecuador’s in London, which housed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for seven years because British police could not enter to arrest him.
—Joe Kottke, NBC News, 6 Apr. 2024
Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 12 Apr. 2024
Or heroes? Recommended Overall asylum claims from Russian citizens have surged since the full-scale invasion, but few are winning protection.
—Erika Kinetz, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Apr. 2024
Immigration experts have pointed to increasing violence in parts of Mexico driving people north, and criticized the CBP app for forcing people seeking asylum to wait in dangerous and overcrowded conditions.
—David Culver, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
The most recent incident involving Cuban security forces breaking into an embassy happened on July 13, 1990, when four Cuban police officers chased a man who had jumped a gate at the Spanish Embassy in Havana seeking asylum.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2024
Autumn Gonzalez, an employment attorney, helps lead free monthly legal help clinics in Sacramento for those preparing to file applications for asylum.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024
While politicians have implemented draconian ways to stem the flow of asylum seekers inundating the U.S.-Mexico border, Rangel-Samponaro is among those caring for the most innocent and desperate migrants — the children.
—Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
People seeking asylum have lived anywhere from days to years at embassies around the world, including at Ecuador’s in London, which housed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for seven years because British police could not enter to arrest him.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2024
People seeking asylum have lived anywhere from days to years living at embassies around the world, including at Ecuador’s in London, which housed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for seven years because British police could not enter to arrest him.
—Joe Kottke, NBC News, 6 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'asylum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near asylum
Cite this Entry
“Asylum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asylum. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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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