# refugee

/ˈɹɛfjudʒi/ (US) · /ɹˈɛfjuːdʒˌiː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/refugee
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. someone seeking safety

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a person who goes to a safe place to avoid a difficult situation or problem.

For teachers: a person seeking shelter or protection from any distressing situation, used figuratively or broadly.

- He was a refugee from the loud party, hiding in the quiet library.
- The small coastal town became a refugee for city dwellers seeking a temporary escape from the relentless pace of urban life.

Usage: frequently used with the preposition 'from'.

## Examples

- The family arrived as refugees after the war started.
- International organizations are working to provide food and shelter for every refugee crossing the border this month.
- The treaty establishes the legal rights of any refugee seeking asylum, ensuring they are not returned to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.