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

• 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

An immigration judge has denied Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s request to reopen his request for asylum. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025

But worst of all is the knowledge that all of these terrors were trademarks of the asylums that stowed away those with mental health conditions well into the 20th century. —James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025

The site is also adjacent to Freedom Tower, the historic Spanish Revival building that housed one of Miami’s first newspapers before serving as a resource center for hundreds of thousands of Cubans who fled communism and sought asylum in the United States. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025

Each provides free or low-cost legal services, food, shelter, access to health care, and other essential services to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 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