noun
Uncommon
fugitive
FYOOD-zhih-tihv
Fugitive (noun) means a person who is fleeing or hiding, especially to avoid arrest. Example: “The fugitive was captured at the border after weeks on the run.”
noun
1
A person who is fleeing or hiding, especially to avoid arrest.
"The fugitive was captured at the border after weeks on the run."
"The film follows a fugitive who hides in a remote village to escape the law."
"Neighbours were shocked to learn that the quiet tenant was really a fugitive."
adjective
1
Fleeing or running away.
"Police tracked the fugitive suspect across three states."
"The fugitive slaves in the old story crossed the river by night."
"A fugitive soldier was seen slipping away from the camp before dawn."
2
Lasting only a short time; fleeting.
"She tried to capture the fugitive beauty of the sunset in a photograph."
"Fame can be fugitive, and last year's stars are soon forgotten."
"He wrote a poem about the fugitive joys of childhood summers."
How to use fugitive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone running from the law, or, more broadly, something fleeting and hard to hold on to.
Common pairings
a fugitive from justice
fugitive suspect
fugitive moment
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Word forms
- Plural
- fugitives
- Third person singular
- fugitives
- Past tense
- fugitived
- Comparative
- more fugitive
- Superlative
- most fugitive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ was captured at the border after weeks on the run.
Etymology
From Latin fugitīvus, related to fugiō, "to flee."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for fugitive
See all rhymes for 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.
