I. ˈrefyəˌjē, -efyüˌj-, ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: French réfugié, past participle of réfugier to put in a place of safety ( se réfugier to take refuge), from Latin refugium refuge
1. : one that flees to a place of safety ; especially : one who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution in his own country or habitual residence because of his race, religion, or political beliefs
2. : one who flees from justice : fugitive
3. : cowboy 2a
II. intransitive verb
( refugeed ; refugeed ; refugeeing ; refugees )
: to flee as a refugee
III. adjective
1. : that is a refugee
refugee slaves
2. : that has taken flight from unfavorable investment conditions or from invading armies to carry on in another country
refugee capital
refugee government