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Refugee: meaning, definitions and examples

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refugee

 

[ ˌrefjuˈdʒiː ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

seeking safety

A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster. Refugees often face challenges in finding safety and security in a new country.

Synonyms

asylum seeker, displaced person, migrant.

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Word Description / Examples
refugee

A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster. This term is often used in formal and legal contexts.

  • The refugee camp provided shelter to thousands who fled the conflict
  • / Many refugees arrived in the country seeking safety from persecution
displaced person

A person who has been forced to leave their home but remains within their own country. This is commonly used when talking about internal conflicts and natural disasters.

  • The earthquake created thousands of displaced persons within the region
  • / Relief efforts focused on the needs of internally displaced persons
asylum seeker

Someone who has moved across borders in search of protection and is waiting for their claim to be evaluated. This term is used when the person is still undergoing the legal process to be recognized as a refugee.

  • The asylum seeker filed a claim for protection due to the political situation in their home country
  • / Governments need to ensure fair treatment of asylum seekers
migrant

A person who moves from one place to another, often for reasons like employment, education, or family reunification. This term is broader and less specific about the causes of movement compared to 'refugee'.

  • The government set new policies for economic migrants
  • / Seasonal migrants travel annually for agricultural work

Examples of usage

  • Thousands of refugees crossed the border in search of safety.
  • The government provided temporary shelter for the refugees.
Context #2 | Noun

political context

A term used in political discourse to refer to individuals fleeing from conflict or persecution. The status of refugees is often protected under international law.

Synonyms

displaced person, emigre, exile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
refugee

Used to describe someone who has been forced to leave their country due to war, persecution, or natural disasters. It’s often used in legal and humanitarian contexts.

  • Many refugees have fled their homes due to the ongoing conflict
  • The United Nations provides support to refugees around the world
displaced person

Used to refer to someone who has been forced to leave their home within their own country or from one country to another, often due to conflict or natural disaster. It focuses more on the fact that these individuals do not have a permanent place to live.

  • The earthquake left thousands of people as displaced persons
  • Aid agencies are assisting the displaced persons in finding temporary shelter
exile

Used to describe someone who has been forced to leave their country, often by government order, and is not allowed to return. It often has a sense of punishment or political pressure.

  • The former king lived in exile for many years
  • A famous writer spent years in exile after criticizing the regime
emigre

Used to describe someone who has emigrated, often for political reasons. It has a historical and somewhat formal tone.

  • Many emigres fled the country during the revolution
  • The city became a hub for political emigres seeking safety

Examples of usage

  • The country accepted refugees fleeing from the neighboring war-torn region.
  • The refugee crisis became a major topic of debate in the election.

Translations

Translations of the word "refugee" in other languages:

🇵🇹 refugiado

🇮🇳 शरणार्थी

🇩🇪 Flüchtling

🇮🇩 pengungsi

🇺🇦 біженець

🇵🇱 uchodźca

🇯🇵 難民

🇫🇷 réfugié

🇪🇸 refugiado

🇹🇷 mülteci

🇰🇷 난민

🇸🇦 لاجئ

🇨🇿 uprchlík

🇸🇰 utečenec

🇨🇳 难民

🇸🇮 begunec

🇮🇸 flóttamaður

🇰🇿 босқын

🇬🇪 ლტოლვილი

🇦🇿 qaçqın

🇲🇽 refugiado

Etymology

The term 'refugee' originated in the mid-17th century, from the French word 'réfugié', meaning 'one who seeks refuge'. The concept of seeking refuge from persecution or conflict has been a part of human history for centuries, with various populations being displaced due to wars, natural disasters, or political unrest.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,152 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.