asylum

noun

asy·​lum ə-ˈsī-ləm How to pronounce asylum (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One such provision would have charged immigrants a $1,000 fee to apply for asylum in the U.S., according to The Hill. MacDonough also ruled against several provisions that affect Medicaid. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025 The new law would make asylum even more inaccessible for a poor person, in effect, creating two classes of those seeking refuge here. Bill Frelick, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025 Still, seizing people who have agreed to appear at ordered court or asylum hearings seems patently unfair. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025 Attorneys say the family could be deported within days because their attempt to secure asylum in the U.S. was cut short. Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for asylum

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of asylum was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Asylum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asylum. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

asylum

noun
asy·​lum ə-ˈsī-ləm How to pronounce asylum (audio)
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 How to pronounce asylum (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce asylum (audio)
: protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees by a nation or by an embassy or other agency that has diplomatic immunity

More from Merriam-Webster on asylum

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!