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
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
Rodriguez also has a pending political asylum claim and a valid work permit, according to court documents.
—
Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Even after withdrawal of most of the roughly 3,000 immigration officers, some community members — especially asylum-seekers and refugees — remain cautious about venturing out, including to the mosque, Abdulle said.
—Luis Andres Henao, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
The irregular migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and undocumented migrants, precariously – and often fatally – trying to reach Europe in anything afloat, desperate in search of a better life.
—Thinus Ferreira, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
Duffy’s agency proposed new rules, to take effect this month, under which people like Singh won’t be able to get CDLs, even if they are allowed to work while their asylum claims are pending.
—Simon Hankinson, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for asylum
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Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Even after withdrawal of most of the roughly 3,000 immigration officers, some community members — especially asylum-seekers and refugees — remain cautious about venturing out, including to the mosque, Abdulle said.
—Luis Andres Henao, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
The irregular migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and undocumented migrants, precariously – and often fatally – trying to reach Europe in anything afloat, desperate in search of a better life.
—Thinus Ferreira, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
Duffy’s agency proposed new rules, to take effect this month, under which people like Singh won’t be able to get CDLs, even if they are allowed to work while their asylum claims are pending.
—Simon Hankinson, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for asylum
Cite this Entry
“Asylum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asylum. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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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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