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
Synonyms
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
The measure, unveiled in February as the 2024 election cycle was just heating up, would have provided $20 billion to add hundreds more Border Patrol agents and to hire thousands of additional officers to evaluate asylum claims.
—
John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Between the lines: The record highs were driven partially by the increase in the number of immigrant families and asylum seekers in New York City, according to the report.
—April Rubin, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024
Justice for Immigrants states the policy requires certain asylum seekers to arrive by land at the U.S. and Mexico border and remain there for the duration of their case in the U.S. immigration court system.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 15 Nov. 2024
Exactly who will be targeted remains unclear because the incoming administration has not clarified all the points of its immigration initiatives, like whether immigrants will be able to maintain their current legal status as workers or asylum seekers.
—Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 14 Nov. 2024
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John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Between the lines: The record highs were driven partially by the increase in the number of immigrant families and asylum seekers in New York City, according to the report.
—April Rubin, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024
Justice for Immigrants states the policy requires certain asylum seekers to arrive by land at the U.S. and Mexico border and remain there for the duration of their case in the U.S. immigration court system.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 15 Nov. 2024
Exactly who will be targeted remains unclear because the incoming administration has not clarified all the points of its immigration initiatives, like whether immigrants will be able to maintain their current legal status as workers or asylum seekers.
—Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 14 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for asylum
Articles Related to asylum
Dictionary Entries Near asylum
Cite this Entry
“Asylum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asylum. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
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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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