Refugee
WordNet
noun
(1) An exile who flees for safety
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From réfugié, past participle of réfugier ("to take refuge"), describing early French protestants seeking refuge.
Noun
- A person seeking refuge in a foreign country out of fear of political persecution or the prospect of such persecution in his home country, i.e., a person seeking a political asylum.
- A person seeking refuge in a foreign country due to poverty and no prospect of overcoming said poverty in his home country, i.e., a person seeking an economic asylum.
- A person seeking refuge due to a natural disaster.
- A person formally granted a political or economic asylum by a country other than his home country.