Fugitive: meaning, definitions and examples

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fugitive

[ˈfyo͞ojədiv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

criminal law

A fugitive is a person who is running away or hiding from the authorities, usually to avoid being caught for a crime they have committed.

Synonyms

absconder, escapee, runaway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fugitive	Typically used to describe someone who is hiding or running away from law enforcement or authorities, often after committing a crime. The fugitive was on the run for years before being captured The police intensified their search for the fugitive
runaway	Most often used to describe a child or teenager who has left home without permission or someone avoiding a difficult situation, not necessarily involving legal issues. The organization helps runaways find shelter and support As a runaway teenager, she faced numerous challenges on the streets
escapee	Generally used for someone who has escaped from confinement or imprisonment, such as from jail or a detention center. The escapee was last spotted near the border The prison implemented new security measures after several escapees were reported
absconder	Refers specifically to someone who has left a place secretly to avoid arrest or legal action, often implies they are evading financial or legal obligations. The absconder was last seen boarding a plane to another country After embezzling a large sum, he became an absconder

Examples of usage

He was considered a fugitive after escaping from prison.
The police are searching for the fugitive in connection with the robbery.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

general use

Fugitive can also be used to describe something that is fleeting, transient, or difficult to grasp or hold onto.

Synonyms

ephemeral, fleeting, transient.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fugitive	Used to describe someone who is escaping from the law or hiding to avoid being caught. It has a somewhat negative connotation. The fugitive was last seen crossing the border. After years on the run, the fugitive was finally captured.
fleeting	Describes something that lasts for a very short time. It is often used to emphasize the briefness of a moment or feeling. She caught a fleeting glimpse of the celebrity before he disappeared into the crowd. Joy is often fleeting, but the memories last a lifetime.
transient	Describes something temporary or short-term, often used in the context of people who move often or things that don't last long. It can sometimes have a neutral or slightly negative connotation. The transient population of the city increases during the tourist season. His interest in the project was transient, fading quickly after it began.
ephemeral	Describes something that is very short-lived, often used in the context of natural phenomena or artistic moments. It conveys the sense of something fleeting but typically beautiful or special. The beauty of the ephemeral cherry blossoms attracts tourists every spring. Their relationship was ephemeral, lasting just a few weeks.

Examples of usage

The fugitive nature of happiness makes it hard to maintain.
Her fugitive thoughts disappeared as quickly as they came.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'fugitivus', meaning 'running away' or 'fleeing'.
It was first used in English in the early 15th century, initially referring to runaway slaves or criminals.

Law Enforcement

Fugitives often become the focus of manhunts involving police and specialized units.
In the U.S., the FBI maintains a Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, highlighting serious criminals at large.

Pop Culture

Fugitives are common characters in movies and TV shows, portraying the struggle to evade capture while often exploring moral dilemmas.
The film 'The Fugitive' (1993) became iconic for its thrilling portrayal of an innocent man wrongfully accused, highlighting the concept of being on the run.

Literature

Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations' features a fugitive character, Magwitch, who plays a critical role in the protagonist's life.
The concept of a fugitive is often explored in classical literature to discuss themes of freedom, guilt, and justice.

Psychology

The mind of a fugitive can be highly stressed due to constant fear of capture, which can lead to anxiety and paranoia.
Studies indicate that individuals on the run may develop survival instincts that can alter their behavior and decision-making processes.

Translations

Translations of the word "fugitive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fugitivo

🇮🇳 फरार

🇩🇪 Flüchtling

🇮🇩 buronan

🇺🇦 втікач

🇵🇱 zbieg

🇯🇵 逃亡者

🇫🇷 fugitif

🇪🇸 fugitivo

🇹🇷 kaçak

🇰🇷 도망자

🇸🇦 هارب

🇨🇿 uprchlík

🇸🇰 utečenec

🇨🇳 逃犯

🇸🇮 begunec

🇮🇸 flóttamaður

🇰🇿 қашқын

🇬🇪 გაქცეული

🇦🇿 qaçaq

🇲🇽 fugitivo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,154, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11151 aquifer
11152 refractive
11153 translating
11154 fugitive
11155 molding
11156 erotic
11157 twofold
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