WordGarden.iorefugee
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈɛfjuːdʒˌiː/
US
- /ˈrɛfjudʒi/
Meanings
Noun
a person forced to leave their home or country because of war, persecution, or disaster
Adjective
relating to refugees or to forced displacement
Beyond the definition
Imagine your home is not safe anymore, maybe because of war, violence, or persecution. A refugee is someone who has been forced to leave their country and seek protection in another country. It is not the same as a migrant choosing to move for better opportunities; refugees are escaping serious danger. Think of families leaving everything behind, carrying only what they can manage, hoping to find safety and build a life again somewhere else. The word carries a sense of hardship and strength.
Historically, "refugee" comes from French roots meaning "one who takes refuge." It's a term recognized internationally with specific legal definitions under international law, ensuring certain rights and protections for those who qualify. You might hear about refugee camps, resettlement programs, or the global refugee crisis in news reports.
A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country because of persecution, war, or violence. This isn't a choice; it's a desperate attempt to survive. Unlike migrants who choose to move for economic reasons, refugees are fleeing threats to their life and safety. The 1951 Refugee Convention defines a refugee specifically, outlining the criteria someone must meet to be legally recognized as one.
The journey of a refugee is often incredibly difficult, filled with danger, loss, and uncertainty. They may travel long distances, face discrimination, and endure hardship before finding a place where they can claim asylum, which means asking for protection.
You'll often hear "refugee" used in the context of global conflicts and humanitarian crises. News reports might discuss refugee flows from countries like Syria, Ukraine, or Afghanistan. Organizations like UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) work tirelessly to provide aid and advocate for the rights of refugees worldwide.
The core meaning refers to people forced from their homes by circumstances beyond their control, seeking safety and a new beginning. It is a word closely linked with survival, protection, and the hope of living in peace again.
Examples
- 1
Migration background
She came to Germany as a refugee when she was twelve.
- 2
School support
The local school has added extra support for refugee children.
- 3
Government policy
The country agreed to take in more refugees next year.
- Patterntake in + refugees
allow them to enter and live in the country
- 4
Refugee camp
Many families spent months in a refugee camp near the border.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Legal status
He applied for refugee status after receiving threats at home.
- Domainin immigration law, refugee status
official recognition that someone cannot safely return home
- 6
Personal identity
After building a new life, she did not want to be known only as a refugee.
See also
Similar
- displaced person
- exile
Shades of meaning
- asylee
Contrast
- internally displaced person
- evacuee
Do not confuse
- asylum seeker
Used with (collocations)
- refugee camp
- refugee status
- refugee crisis
- refugee resettlement
Word family
Explore
- persecution
- forced migrant
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- refugeenoun
Forms
- refugeespluralnoun