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 protest took place outside a building reported to be earmarked for accommodation for asylum seekers.
—
Olivia Fletcher / Bloomberg, TIME, 16 July 2024
For example, people who pay a premium would have their asylum applications fast-tracked, while visas for victims of crime and human trafficking would be eliminated.
—Kizzy Cox, Essence, 12 July 2024
The mayor has also backed Biden on his immigration policies, standing alongside him twice this year — most recently for changes, like asylum limitations, criticized by many Democrats.
—Alex Thompson, Axios, 10 July 2024
Our top priority should be to allocate resources and funding to support local governments and NGOs assisting legal asylum seekers with essential humanitarian services.
—Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for asylum 
Olivia Fletcher / Bloomberg, TIME, 16 July 2024
For example, people who pay a premium would have their asylum applications fast-tracked, while visas for victims of crime and human trafficking would be eliminated.
—Kizzy Cox, Essence, 12 July 2024
The mayor has also backed Biden on his immigration policies, standing alongside him twice this year — most recently for changes, like asylum limitations, criticized by many Democrats.
—Alex Thompson, Axios, 10 July 2024
Our top priority should be to allocate resources and funding to support local governments and NGOs assisting legal asylum seekers with essential humanitarian services.
—Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for asylum
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 27 Jul. 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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