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

But the regulation would nonetheless upend USCIS' longstanding policy of interviewing virtually all asylum applicants before making a decision on their claims, allowing for quick rejections of cases where the paper record suggests the applicants did not meet the 1-year deadline. —Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 1 June 2026

The ruling closes a financial front in Britain’s asylum fight as Starmer’s government pursues new border controls, while Rwanda acknowledges the decision but highlights a dissent underscoring the case’s legal complexity. —Mike Corder, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026

Besides the glowing green Riddler trophies, one of the game’s many other collectibles are audio tapes of therapists and doctors speaking with various asylum patients, and some of these conversations are downright laughable. —Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

After two years in Barcelona and the denial of asylum, which left the family in limbo in November 2025, Romo, her husband, who works in construction, their two children, ages 4 and 12, and her father have applied for regularization. —Marta Campabadal Graus, NBC news, 30 May 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