émigré

Émigré (masculine émigré, feminine émigrée) is a term used to describe a person who leaves their country, often for political reasons or persecution, and who resides abroad for an extended period. In modern usage it can also refer to members of a diaspora who maintain opposition to the government of origin. As an adjective, it appears in phrases such as émigré communities or leaders.

Etymology: from the French verb émigrer, from Latin emigrare “to move away,” formed with ex- “out” + migrare “to move.” In English, émigré retains the acute accent, though accents are frequently omitted in print.

Historical usage: The word is closely associated with France during and after the French Revolution. French émigrés were primarily nobles and clergy who fled Revolutionary Paris (1789–1799), seeking refuge in neighboring monarchies and sometimes organizing armed opposition. Some émigrés received support from foreign powers and participated in counter-revolutionary efforts; others later returned after amnesty. The term has since been applied more broadly to political exiles from various countries.

Contemporary usage: Today the term covers individuals who flee their homeland for political reasons, persecution, or grave danger, and who live abroad for extended periods or permanently. It is distinct from “exile” in that it emphasizes the act of leaving due to political pressure, and from “refugee” in that it may imply voluntary departure prior to formal asylum status. The concept also figures in discussions of diaspora politics and transnational communities.