Refugee — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌre-fyu̇-ˈjē/ ref·u·gee

Meaning & Definition of Refugee

Refugee (noun)

  1. one that flees; especially, a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution

Refugee (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person forced to emigrate for political reasons

    "refugees began returning to their homeland after years of political unrest and war"

    similar: deportee, émigré, evacuee, exile, expat (chiefly British), expatriate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Refugee

The most common words with a similar meaning to Refugee:

Chiefly British: expat

Word Forms of Refugee

Derived words: refugeeism (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Refugee

French réfugié, past participle of (se) réfugier to take refuge, from Middle French refugier, from Latin refugium

First known use: 1685

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Refugee

Frequently Asked Questions about Refugee

What does "Refugee" mean?

"Refugee" means one that flees; especially, a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution. As a noun, it is defined as: one that flees; especially, a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution.

What is another word for "Refugee"?

Other words for "Refugee" include deportee, émigré, evacuee, exile, expat and expatriate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Refugee" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Refugee"?

There are 13 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Refugee". Common alternatives include deportee, émigré, evacuee, exile, expat and expatriate.

How do you use "Refugee" in a sentence?

Examples of "Refugee" in a sentence: "refugees began returning to their homeland after years of political unrest and war".

Is "Refugee" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Refugee" is a noun.

Is "Refugee" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Refugee" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Refugee"?

"Refugee" is pronounced /ˌre-fyu̇-ˈjē/ and divided into syllables as ref·u·gee.

What is the origin of the word "Refugee"?

"Refugee" comes from French réfugié, past participle of (se) réfugier to take refuge, from Middle French refugier, from Latin refugium. First known use: 1685.