Fugitive
/ˈfjuːdʒətɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who has escaped or is running from the law or some kind of danger.
/ˈfjuːdʒətɪv/
A person who is fleeing from something, especially the law.
The fugitive was finally captured after weeks of searching.
💡 Simply: Imagine a criminal trying to hide from the police. That criminal is a fugitive! They're trying to 'flee' from getting caught.
👶 For kids: Someone who is running away from the police or from something bad.
More Examples
The escaped convict became a fugitive from justice.
A reward was offered for information leading to the capture of the fugitive.
How It's Used
"The police are searching for a fugitive who escaped from prison."
"A manhunt is underway for the fugitive suspected of the bank robbery."
Fleeing or having fled; fleeting or transient; liable to disappear or be lost.
/ˈfjuːdʒətɪv/
Relating to or having the characteristics of a fugitive.
She caught a fugitive glimpse of the thief.
💡 Simply: If something is fugitive, it means it disappears quickly, like a shadow that vanishes when the sun moves. Or maybe someone who is fleeing from something.
👶 For kids: When something is running away or quickly disappearing.
More Examples
The fugitive scent of the perfume lingered in the air.
His fugitive thoughts scattered as he was questioned.
How It's Used
"His fugitive glances around the room revealed his nervousness."
"The fugitive life of a nomadic tribe."
Idioms & expressions
Fugitive from justice
A person who has escaped from legal custody or is trying to avoid arrest.
"The suspect remains a fugitive from justice, wanted for multiple counts of fraud."
From Latin *fugitivus*, meaning 'fleeing, running away,' derived from *fugere* ('to flee').
The term 'fugitive' has been used since the 16th century, initially to describe someone fleeing a danger or their country. Later it was more strongly associated with escaping from law enforcement, and the word gained particular significance in the context of runaway slaves in the 19th century.
Memory tip
Think of someone running *fugi*-tively from the authorities.
Word Origin
"to flee"