What does the word "refugee" refer to?

The term "refugee" specifically refers to a person who has been forced to leave their country due to conflict, persecution, or violence. This definition emphasizes the circumstances that compel an individual to seek safety and protection in another country, highlighting the often dire situations that refugees face, such as war or oppression. Unlike other options that describe individuals engaged in voluntary activities—such as seeking employment, studying abroad, or traveling for leisure—refugees are primarily motivated by the need for safety and survival, which makes this choice the most accurate depiction of the term.