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
He and his mom were detained together during a routine asylum check-in in March.
—
Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 20 May 2026
During the spring and early summer, proceeds from the store will benefit the Luminus Network, which provides legal services to immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
—Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2026
The asylum is closing down, Misael learns, forcing him to move his sister into his minuscule pad in the woods.
—Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026
Emmanuel Damas, a 56-year-old asylum seeker from Haiti, was taken into custody while facing criminal charges of assault and battery.
—Rob Kuznia, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for asylum
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Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 20 May 2026
During the spring and early summer, proceeds from the store will benefit the Luminus Network, which provides legal services to immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
—Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2026
The asylum is closing down, Misael learns, forcing him to move his sister into his minuscule pad in the woods.
—Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026
Emmanuel Damas, a 56-year-old asylum seeker from Haiti, was taken into custody while facing criminal charges of assault and battery.
—Rob Kuznia, CNN Money, 15 May 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 22 May. 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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