Refusenik (Russian: отказник, otkaznik, from "отказ", "refusal") was an unofficial term for individuals, typically but not exclusively Soviet Jews, who were denied permission to emigrate abroad by the authorities of the former Soviet Union and other countries of the Eastern bloc.1 The term refusenik derived from the "refusal," handed down to a prospective emigrant from the Soviet authorities.
Over time, "refusenik" has entered colloquial English usage for any type of protester.
Over time, "refusenik" has entered colloquial English usage for any type of protester.
by DEDALO August 28, 2009
pronounced IN-ter-NEE-sin. It comes from the Latin: "inter" (between, among) and "necare" (to kill). It means a conflict destructive to both sides, or very bloody. We do tend to use it to describe civil wars.
by DEDALO August 28, 2009