repatriate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈriːpeɪtrieɪt//
KK: /rɪˈpeɪtriˌeɪt/
noun
Definition
A person who has returned to their home country after living abroad.
Example
After many years in the United States, she became a repatriate when she moved back to her home country.
Conversation
I heard that John is now a repatriate after living abroad for years.
Yeah, he finally decided to come back home for good.
It must be a huge adjustment for him as a repatriate.
Definitely! He'll have to get used to everything again.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
returnee
exile
immigrant
Antonyms
emigrant
refugee
displaced
transitive verb
Definition
To send someone back to their own country, especially after they have been living in another country.
Example
The government decided to repatriate the citizens who were stranded abroad due to the pandemic.
Tense Forms
Past: repatriated
Past Participle: repatriated
Conversation
Did you hear they are planning to repatriate some of the refugees next month?
Yeah, I read about that! It's a big step for them.
I hope it goes smoothly, they deserve to go home.
Root Explanation
Repatriate → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "patria" (from Latin, meaning homeland or fatherland). The word "repatriate" means to return someone to their homeland or country of origin.
Memory Tip
Think of someone going back to their 'homeland' ('patria') 'again' ('re-') — that's why repatriate means to return someone to their home country.
Visually Confused Words
reimpatriate
expatriate
depatriate
patrizate
expatiate
septariate
reactivate
patriciate