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.

---

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. )

Explanation

Repatriation is the act of returning to your own country. If you’ve been living in another country since you were two, and you are now thirty-five, repatriation may be more complicated. In Latin, the prefix re- signifies a return of some kind, and patria is another way of saying a person's native land. Repatriation generally refers to a person who has either forcibly or voluntarily left his own country and is now returning. It can also refer to the return of important objects, like historical artifacts, to their country of origin. If you're a patriotic person, then repatriation is important to you, especially for significant people or objects!

Example Sentences

Thousands lined up at the Chinese and Indonesian embassies for help with repatriation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Now living in Phnom Penh after the Cambodian government facilitated his repatriation from Eswatini, Rom said he was still "getting used to the freedom" but was ready to move on.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 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

Qatar Airways, whose regular operations are suspended until further notice, said Thursday it would carry out a limited number of repatriation flights for travellers stranded in the region.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

In the evenings she reads while Etienne makes phone calls, petitions repatriation authorities, and writes letters.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

Related Words

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