asylum

play

noun asy·lum \ ə-ˈsī-ləm \

Definition of asylum

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

See asylum defined for English-language learners

See asylum defined for kids

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 of asylum from the Web

Winning asylum in the United States is very difficult …

— nora gámez torres, miamiherald, "U.S. detention strategy for asylum seekers: release the women, lock up the men," 29 Aug. 2017
The immigrants from Central and South America were reportedly fleeing violence in their home countries and seeking asylum in the United States.

— katie van syckle, The Cut, "U.S. Government Officials Reportedly Left 50 Immigrant Women and Children Stranded in Path of Hurricane Harvey," 27 Aug. 2017
This is the first thing Noorullah Aminyar said to me when his asylum hearing ended on Tuesday.

— brian castner, Esquire, "Noorullah Aminyar Wins the Fight of His Life," 23 Aug. 2017
The government has let Belgium and Norway put prisoners in empty cells and following the huge flow of migrants into Europe, several Dutch prisons have been temporarily pressed into service as asylum-seeker centers. Photographed on June 27, 2017.

— alan taylor, The Atlantic, "Photos of the Week: 7/29–8/4," 4 Aug. 2017
His parents are convinced that Jake needs psychological help including a weekend in an asylum.

— rick bentley, star-telegram, "‘The Dark Tower’ presents a pale take on King’s story," 3 Aug. 2017
Unfortunately, the U.S. government’s treatment of asylum seekers often compounds their trauma.

— jenna gilbert, Teen Vogue, "U.S. Border Agents May Be Illegally Blocking Asylum Seekers From Crossing the Border," 17 July 2017
No one would explore that abandoned asylum or play with that Ouija board or party in the backwoods.

— loey lockerby, kansascity, "‘Wish Upon’ takes horror movies to new levels of stupidity," 13 July 2017
Some of them, including advocates of asylum-seekers, are supported by Soros' Open Society Foundations.

— pablo gorondi, Jewish Journal, "Israel overrules its ambassador to Hungary on anti-Soros ads," 10 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'asylum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of asylum

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek asylon, neuter of asylos inviolable, from a- + sylon right of seizure

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

asylum Synonyms

Synonyms

madhouse, bedlam, institution

Related Words

hospital; halfway house, home; hospice, sanatorium, sanitarium, sanitorium

ASYLUM Defined for English Language Learners

asylum

play

noun

Definition of asylum for English Language Learners

: protection given by a government to someone who has left another country in order to escape being harmed
: a hospital where people who are mentally ill are cared for especially for long periods of time : a mental hospital

ASYLUM Defined for Kids

asylum

play

noun asy·lum \ ə-ˈsī-ləm \

Definition of asylum for Students

1 :a place of protection and shelter

They sought asylum from the storm.

2 :protection given especially to political refugees

3 :a place for the care of the poor or the physically or mentally ill

Medical Dictionary

asylum

play

noun asy·lum \ ə-ˈsī-ləm \

medical Definition of asylum

:an institution providing care and protection to needy individuals (such as the infirm or destitute) and especially the mentally ill

Law Dictionary

asylum

play

noun asy·lum \ ə-ˈsī-ləm \

legal Definition of asylum

:protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees by a nation or by an embassy or other agency that has diplomatic immunity