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
But one of the first provisions to take effect under the law removes SNAP eligibility for most refugees, asylum seekers, trafficking and domestic violence victims, and other legal immigrants.
—
Renuka Rayasam, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025
Continue reading … ‘ANTI-GRETA’ – German activist known for views on climate seeks US asylum, citing political persecution.
—FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Member states have tightened asylum procedures, struck deals with transit countries including Turkey, Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt, and deployed more surveillance technology than ever before.
—Jonathan Portes, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
What’s Next The outcome of Seibt’s asylum claim is yet to be determined, and may take several months to process.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for asylum
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Renuka Rayasam, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025
Continue reading … ‘ANTI-GRETA’ – German activist known for views on climate seeks US asylum, citing political persecution.
—FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Member states have tightened asylum procedures, struck deals with transit countries including Turkey, Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt, and deployed more surveillance technology than ever before.
—Jonathan Portes, Time, 29 Oct. 2025
What’s Next The outcome of Seibt’s asylum claim is yet to be determined, and may take several months to process.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for asylum
Cite this Entry
“Asylum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asylum. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
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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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