English Lexicon

Refugee

/ˈrɛf.juː.dʒiː/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #800 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

1 sense
As noun
  1. 1

    A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.

    "Thousands of refugees crossed the border seeking safety."

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Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'refugee' originates from the Latin word 'refugium', meaning 'a place of shelter or safety'. It evolved through Old French 'refugier', which means 'to flee', and was adopted into English in the 17th century, reflecting the historical context of individuals fleeing persecution or danger.

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