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

News outlets have also reported that dozens of immigrants across the country have received letters notifying them that their asylum cases have been dismissed. —Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi, Charlotte Observer, 11 Dec. 2025

Despite being granted asylum, Ugarte-Arenas must remain at the Dodge Detention Facility in Juneau, Wisconsin, for at least the next 30 days. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 10 Dec. 2025

Michael Knowles was an asylum officer for 34 years and currently serves as the executive vice president of the union that represents 15,000 USCIS employees. —Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 10 Dec. 2025

The group includes Felicia Escobar Carrillo, Ashley Feasley, Emily Mendrala, Bitta Mostofi, Avideh Moussavian, Royce Murray, Claire Trickler-McNulty, and Jen Smyers, who collectively bring decades of experience in enforcement, asylum, refugee policy, and immigrant integration. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

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