fugitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fugitive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is avoiding arrest or apprehension. For example, "The police are searching for the fugitive, who is believed to have escaped the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have now forgotten that in the summer of 1854, when Anthony Burns – who had run away from slavery in Richmond, Virginia – was returned to slavery by a state judge acting as a federal commissioner under the second fugitive slave act, Boston itself had to be placed under martial law for three whole days.

The Guardian - Tech

So we went along to this football match with a fugitive in the back of the car.

The Guardian - Sport

He was never a fugitive," said Fernando Fernandes, the lawyer representing Whelan.

The Guardian - Sport

CCTV images of Whelan leaving the hotel in this way were relayed on national television and police investigators at one point accused his lawyers of aiding the escape of a fugitive.

The Guardian - Sport

Using his courier system Bin Laden could still exercise an element of operational control over al-Qaida, but increasingly the men he was directing were younger and inexperienced, the fugitive leader complained.

The Guardian

She escaped in 1979 with the assistance of BLA members posing as visitors, and has been a fugitive ever since.

The Guardian - Books

In a blur of expensive suits, mirrored sunglasses and blacked out luxury cars, Asil Nadir, the 69-year-old fugitive Polly Peck millionaire, today returned to the UK for the first time since he fled British justice 17 years ago, accused of a £34m fraud.

The Guardian - Business

"Even the smallest detail, which you might think is insignificant, has the potential to break a case wide open when combined with other evidence the police already have," said Ioannis Kokkinis, criminal intelligence officer with Interpol's fugitive investigative support unit.

The Guardian

One fugitive, Ahmed Kamran, 29, is charged with smuggling over 100 live animals – including giraffes and impalas – from Tanzania's Kilimanjaro airport to Qatar on a military airplane.

The Guardian

The trial of Nadir, who is now serving a 10-year jail sentence, had been delayed almost 20 years after he fled Britain in 1993, living for many years as a fugitive in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus.

The Guardian - Business

The 69-year-old former dictator is now a fugitive from international justice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fugitive", ensure the context clearly indicates what the person or thing is fleeing from. For example, specify "fugitive from justice" or "fugitive from the law" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "fugitive" simply to describe someone who is traveling or moving around. "Fugitive" implies an attempt to escape or evade something, usually legal consequences or capture.

Linguistic Context

The word "fugitive" primarily functions as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "fugitive leader") or as a noun referring to a person who is fleeing. Ludwig AI confirms the word is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "fugitive" is a versatile term, most commonly used to describe someone evading capture, especially in legal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and highlights its prevalence in news and media. While often referring to people, "fugitive" can also characterize fleeting abstract concepts. When writing, remember that "fugitive" implies an active attempt to escape, distinguishing it from general movement or refugee status. Consider alternatives like "runaway" or "escapee" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person on the run

Describes someone who is actively trying to avoid being caught.

runaway

Focuses on the act of running away, often from home or a difficult situation.

escapee

Specifically denotes someone who has escaped from confinement.

absconder

Implies a secret departure, often to avoid legal obligations.

fleer

Highlights the act of fleeing from danger or pursuit.

outlaw

Suggests someone who has broken the law and is evading capture.

deserter

Refers to someone who has abandoned military service without permission.

refugee

Indicates someone who has fled their home country due to war or persecution.

transient

Emphasizes the temporary or fleeting nature of something.

elusive individual

Highlights the difficulty in finding or capturing someone.

FAQs

How is the word "fugitive" typically used?

The word "fugitive" typically describes someone who is fleeing from justice, capture, or danger. It implies an active attempt to avoid being found or apprehended.

What are some common synonyms for "fugitive"?

Some common synonyms for "fugitive" include "runaway", "escapee", "absconder", and "outlaw", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "fugitive" to describe an abstract concept?

While primarily used for people, "fugitive" can sometimes describe abstract concepts like "fugitive emotions" or "fugitive thoughts" to emphasize their fleeting or transient nature.

What's the difference between a "fugitive" and a "refugee"?

A "fugitive" is typically fleeing from legal consequences or capture, whereas a "refugee" is fleeing from war, persecution, or natural disaster.