Refugee
/ˌref.jʊˈdʒiː/
Definitions
A person who has been forced to leave their home or country because of war, persecution, or a natural disaster.
/ˌref.jʊˈdʒiː/
A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.
Thousands of refugees sought asylum in neighboring countries.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone's house is on fire, and they have to run away to find a new, safe place to live. A refugee is like that, but instead of a house fire, they're running away from war or danger in their country. For example, people fleeing a country because of a war are refugees.
👶 For kids: A refugee is someone who has to leave their home country because it's not safe anymore.
More Examples
The organization is working to provide assistance to Syrian refugees.
She sympathized with the plight of the refugees and donated to the cause.
How It's Used
"The UN provides aid to refugees fleeing war-torn countries."
"Many refugees experience trauma from their past experiences."
"International organizations work to resettle refugees in safe locations."
Idioms & expressions
seek refuge
To look for and find a place or situation where you are safe from danger.
"They sought refuge in the church during the storm."
take refuge
To go somewhere or do something in order to be safe from danger or unwanted situations.
"The family took refuge in a neighbor's basement during the tornado."
From French *réfugié*, past participle of *réfugier* ('to take refuge'), from Italian *rifugiare*, from *rifugio* ('refuge'), from Latin *refugium* ('a place to flee back to').
The word 'refugee' has evolved to encompass various situations of displacement, reflecting changing global events and humanitarian concerns.
Memory tip
Think of the word's connection to 'refuge' - a safe place. Refugees are seeking that safety.
Word Origin
"To take refuge; a place of safety."