The adjective fugitive describes those literally running away or intending flight, but also has multiple figurative uses, being applied to that which is elusive, of short duration, or of transient interest, …

FUGITIVE definition: a person who is fleeing, as from prosecution, intolerable circumstances, etc.; a runaway. See examples of fugitive used in a sentence.

fugitive adjective (TEMPORARY) formal (especially of thoughts or feelings) lasting for only a short time: a fugitive impression

A fugitive is someone who is running away or hiding, usually in order to avoid being caught by the police. The rebel leader was a fugitive from justice. ...the fugitive train robber.

A fugitive or runaway is a person who is fleeing from custody, whether it be from jail, a government arrest, government or non-government questioning, vigilante violence, or outraged private individuals.

13 hours ago · A U.S. fugitive was captured in Mexico just over an hour after being added to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, making it the fastest arrest time in the …

fugitive adjective Fleeing or having fled, as from home, confinement, captivity, or justice: Lasting or existing only for a short time: noun

Definition of fugitive noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 27, 2025 · "Fugitive" refers to someone who is escaping pursuit, often from legal authorities, but it can also describe anything that is fleeting or temporary. The word plays a significant role in law, …

fu•gi•tive (fyo̅o̅′ ji tiv), n. a runaway: a fugitive from justice; a fugitive from a dictatorial regime. having taken flight, or run away: a fugitive slave. elusive: fugitive thoughts that could not be formulated.