refugee
ref-yoo-JEE
/ˌrefjuˈdʒiː/
A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.
Refugee is a specific legal status defined by international law (such as the 1951 Refugee Convention). It requires a well-founded fear of persecution, distinguishing them from economic migrants.
The story behind the word. The word entered English in 1685 to describe the French Huguenots (Protestants) who fled to England to escape religious persecution after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. It literally means 'one who has fled back' to find safety.
Word relationships
- asylum-seeker: An asylum-seeker is someone who has applied for protection but whose claim has not yet been legally finalized, whereas a refugee has been officially granted that status.
- displaced person: A displaced person may be forced to move within their own country (internally displaced), whereas a refugee must cross an international border.
- citizen: A citizen has full, secure legal rights and permanent belonging in a country, with no need to flee.
Commonly confused with
- migrant: A migrant chooses to move primarily to improve their lives, while a refugee is forced to flee to save their lives.
Word family
- refuge (noun): A condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.
Collocations
- refugee camp
- refugee status
- fleeing refugee
- political refugee
Example sentences
- "The humanitarian agency set up temporary shelters to provide food and medical care to every refugee crossing the border." A report on international aid.
- "To be recognized as a refugee, an applicant must prove they face a direct threat of violence or persecution in their homeland." A legal definition of status.
Memory hook
A REFUGEE seeks REFUGE. Fleeing to find a safe refuge.
When not to use
Do not use to describe someone who moves to another country simply for a better job, education, or climate.
Fun facts
- The modern legal definition of a refugee was established in 1951 to handle the massive displacement of people in Europe after World War II.
Explore more words
asylum, repatriation, exile, migrate, persecution, migration
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