fugitive

The definition of a fugitive is a person who is on the run or who has escaped from something such as the law or danger and is in hiding.

(noun)

An example of a fugitive is a fugitive from justice, who is hiding from arrest or persecution.

See fugitive in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

having to do with matters of temporary interest: fugitive essays

roaming; shifting

Origin: ME fugitif < OFr < L fugitivus < pp. of fugere, to flee < IE base *bheug-, to flee > Gr phygē, flight

noun

Related Forms:

See fugitive in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Running away or fleeing, as from the law.
a. Lasting only a short time; fleeting: “[His] house and burial place … should be visited by all who profess even a fugitive interest in political economy” (John Kenneth Galbraith).
b. Difficult to comprehend or retain; elusive: fugitive solutions to the problem.
c. Given to change or disappearance; perishable: fugitive beauty.
d. Of temporary interest: fugitive essays.
Tending to wander; vagabond.