repatriation

American  

[ree-pey-tree-ey-shuhn] / riˌpeɪ triˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of returning a person or thing to the country of origin.

   If conditions allow, refugees can be offered the option of voluntary repatriation rather than resettlement in countries offering asylum.

   Museums are increasingly facing pressure from formerly colonized countries seeking repatriation of their priceless antiquities.

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Other Word Forms

• nonrepatriation noun

Etymology

Origin of repatriation

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Late Latin repatriation-, stem of repatriatio “a returning to one's fatherland,” equivalent to repatriāt-, stem of repatriāre + Latin -iō -ion ( def. ); repatriate ( def. )

Example Sentences

Chinese police said the repatriation took place recently but didn’t disclose when or provide details on the suspected crimes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

This normally gives seafarers exceptional rights, including repatriation at the company's cost and double pay for those working on ships covered by IBF agreements -- around 15,000 vessels worldwide, according to the ITF.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Turkey is now seeking the repatriation of other antiquities taken during the Ottoman era: an ancient marble torso called the "Old Fisherman" from Berlin, and dozens of Iznik tiles held at France's Louvre museum.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

The repatriation flight from Oman was due to take off on Wednesday evening but it remained grounded after technical issues.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

When the day of my repatriation finally came, I packed my few belongings in a plastic bag.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah

Related Words

• reconstruction
• recovery
• refurbishment
• rehabilitation
• reinstatement
• renewal
• renovation
• revival