English · Slang Attested

refusenik

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

One of the citizens of the former Soviet Union who was refused permission to emigrate (typically but not exclusively a Jewish citizen denied permission to immigrate to Israel).

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

The refuseniki say they don’t want to change anything in the U.S.S.R., only leave it.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “refusenik” mean?

One of the citizens of the former Soviet Union who was refused permission to emigrate (typically but not exclusively a Jewish citizen denied permission to immigrate to Israel).

Is “refusenik” formal or informal?

refusenik is generally slang.

👁 Views 0 today 0 past 7 days 0 this month 0 all time