Definition of asylum
1 : an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors : sanctuary
3a : the protection or security afforded by an asylum : refugeb : 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
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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
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While most of the several thousand migrants in Serbia have stayed in the Balkan country's asylum centers, hundreds have refused to do so, looking for ways to move on toward western Europe.
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While most of the several thousand migrants in Serbia have stayed in the Balkan country’s asylum centers, hundreds have refused to do so, looking for ways to move on toward western Europe.
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Two Libyan hijackers diverted a domestic flight to the Mediterranean island of Malta on today to demand asylum in Europe and create a new political party in honor of the late dictator Moammar Gadhafi, officials said.
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Germany has not so far experienced any mass-casualty attacks by Islamic extremists, but has been increasingly wary since two attacks by asylum-seekers in the summer that were claimed by the Islamic State group.
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The Federal Employment Agency said 469,403 immigrants from asylum seekers’
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His followers, who have decorated the shrine with candles, flowers, and photocopied green cards, credit him with miracles: blinding Border Patrol agents, guiding migrants through the desert, granting unlikely asylum applications.
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As thousands flee to Europe in search of asylum, countries are tightening once-open borders.
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A migrant boy gestures while looking at a police officer near a makeshift camp for asylum-seekers in Roszke, southern Hungary, on September 9, 2015.
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Origin and Etymology of asylum
Middle English, from Latin, from Greek asylon, neuter of asylos inviolable, from a- + sylon right of seizure
First Known Use: 15th century
ASYLUM Defined for English Language Learners
asylum
playDefinition of asylum for English Language Learners
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: protection given by a government to someone who has left another country in order to escape being harmed
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: 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
playDefinition 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
playMedical 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
playLegal 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
Learn More about asylum
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See words that rhyme with asylum Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for asylum Spanish Central: Translation of asylum Nglish: Translation of asylum for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of asylum for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about asylum
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