Search Dictionary
Definition of fugitive

fugitive

/ˈfjuːdʒɪtɪv/
fu · gi · tive
Adverb:fugitively
•
Plural:fugitives
JUMP TO:

fugitive Lexical Profile

fugitive Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who has escaped from captivity or is in hiding, especially to avoid arrest, prosecution, or persecution.

Example

"The international treaty allows for the swift extradition of a fugitive to their home country."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fugitive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for fugitive

• adjective

1

Having fled or escaped from arrest, custody, or an intolerable situation.

Example

"The marshals spent several weeks tracking the fugitive suspect across state lines."

2

Quick to disappear or fade away; fleeting, transient, or not durable.

Example

"Early watercolor pigments were notoriously fugitive when exposed to direct sunlight."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fugitive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for fugitive

• Nearby Words

fueler
fuelwood
fufu
fugitive
fugly
fugue
fuhrer

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'fugitif', from Latin 'fugitivus' (fleeing, running away), derived from the verb 'fugere' meaning 'to flee'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fugitive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fugitive
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.