What does repatriate mean?
Repatriate means to return or bring back a person to the country from which they came, particularly when the person is a citizen, refugee, detainee, or resident abroad. It can also be used more broadly for restoring a person, object, or practice to its original place or cultural context. For example, authorities may repatriate refugees, governments may repatriate citizens, and a museum may repatriate cultural property to its country of origin. The related noun repatriation names the process of bringing someone home. Although repatriate can imply a forced return, it is also used when a return is voluntary. In figurative usage, the word often carries historical or cultural significance, as when stolen artworks or ancient manuscripts are returned to the communities from which they came.
To return or bring back a person to their country of origin, especially by official or organized means.
"The agency helped repatriate the refugees after the conflict ended."
Often used in legal, diplomatic, and humanitarian contexts. It can describe voluntary or compulsory return.
To restore a person, thing, or practice to its original home or context.
"The stolen painting was repatriated to its country of origin."
This extended sense is especially used of cultural objects and historical traditions.
A person who has been returned to their country of origin.
"Each repatriate was given assistance after returning home."
The noun is less common than the verb and is chiefly used in legal and humanitarian contexts.
Used for the plural of the less common noun sense meaning a person who has been returned to their country of origin.
"The organization assisted repatriates arriving at the airport."
Repatriate pairs the idea of returning with a word rooted in the Latin patria, or fatherland.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does repatriate come from?
Repatriate entered English in the late 16th century through French, from Latin repatriare, a verb formed from repatriatus, the past participle of repatriare. Its elements combine the Latin prefix re-, meaning “again” or “back,” with patria, meaning “fatherland.” The same ultimate Latin family includes patriot, expatriate, and English patria.
Related word forms
How repatriate is actually used
The word is formal and especially common in legal, political, diplomatic, and humanitarian contexts. It may describe a voluntary return or a compulsory return imposed by a government.
Easily confused with repatriate
Repatriate means to return or bring someone back to their homeland, whereas expatriate refers to a person who has voluntarily settled abroad.