fugitive
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for fugitive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who is fleeing or hiding, especially to avoid arrest.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use fugitive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin fugitīvus, related to fugiō, "to flee."
Full origin of fugitive →Frequently asked questions
What does “fugitive” mean?
The word “fugitive” means a person who is fleeing or hiding, especially to avoid arrest. In plain terms, someone running from the law, or, more broadly, something fleeting and hard to hold on to.
How do you pronounce “fugitive”?
“Fugitive” is pronounced FYOOD-zhih-tihv (/ˈfjuːd͡ʒɪtɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “fugitive” in a sentence?
Here is “fugitive” used in a sentence: “The fugitive was captured at the border after weeks on the run.”
What part of speech is “fugitive”?
Depending on how it is used, “fugitive” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “fugitive” come from?
The word “fugitive” comes from Latin. From Latin fugitīvus, related to fugiō, "to flee.".
Is “fugitive” a common word?
“Fugitive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “fugitive” have?
“Fugitive” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who is fleeing or hiding, especially to avoid arrest.
What is the difference between a fugitive and a suspect?
A suspect is someone believed to have committed a crime but who may still be cooperating with authorities or awaiting trial, while a fugitive is specifically someone who is actively fleeing or hiding to avoid arrest. Not all suspects become fugitives, but every fugitive is typically wanted in connection with a crime.
What is the difference between fugitive and refugee?
A fugitive flees to avoid arrest or legal consequences, often because they are wanted for a crime, whereas a refugee flees danger such as war or persecution and is not necessarily accused of wrongdoing. The distinction is about why the person is running, not simply that they are running.
Can fugitive be used to describe something other than a person on the run?
Yes, fugitive can also function as an adjective meaning fleeting or lasting only a short time, as in a fugitive moment of happiness. This sense describes something transient rather than someone evading capture.