What is refugee? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of refugee

refugeenoun

người tị nạn

/ˌrefjuˈdʒiː//ˌrefjuˈdʒiː/

Where does the word refugee come from?

The word "refugee" has its roots in the Latin words "refugium," meaning "a place of escape or refuge," and "refugiarius," meaning "a fugitive" or "one who takes flight." During the 15th century, the term "refugee" emerged to describe individuals who sought shelter or escape from war, persecution, or danger. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the term gained more widespread use to describe those fleeing from wars, such as Huguenots escaping from France and Russian nobles fleeing from Catherine the Great. The term continued to evolve, encompassing those displaced by natural disasters, famines, and other forms of displacement. Today, the United Nations defines a refugee as someone who has been forced to flee their home country due to a "well-founded fear of persecution" and is unable to return due to said fear. The word "refugee" has become synonymous with the global issue of forced migration and the need for humanitarian assistance.

Vocabulary summary refugee

typenoun

meaningrefugee

meaningpeople who avoid going abroad (to avoid political or religious persecution)

Example of vocabulary refugeenamespace

  • The refugee camp situated on the outskirts of the city accommodates thousands of displaced people who have fled their home countries due to conflict or persecution.
  • The refugee family, who fled their homeland to escape political turmoil, is struggling to adapt to their new surroundings.
  • The refugee children attending the local school have faced enormous hardships, but they are determined to thrive and succeed in their education.
  • After months of traveling, the refugee arrived at a resettlement center, where they will receive assistance and support to begin a new life in their host country.
  • The refugee woman, who lost everything during the conflict, is grateful for the humanitarian aid provided by local organizations to help her and her family survive.

Synonyms and related words for refugee

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