fugitive

¹fu·gi·tive

adj \ˈfyü-jə-tiv\

Definition of FUGITIVE

1

: running away or intending flight <a fugitive slave> <a fugitive debtor>

2

: moving from place to place : wandering

3

a : being of short duration b : difficult to grasp or retain : elusive c : likely to evaporate, deteriorate, change, fade, or disappear <dyed with fugitive colors>

4

: being of transient interest <fugitive essays>

— fu·gi·tive·ly adverb

— fu·gi·tive·ness noun

Examples of FUGITIVE

1. As he daydreamed, fugitive thoughts passed through his mind.
2. <that fugitive trait called artistic creativity>

Origin of FUGITIVE

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French fugitif, from Latin fugitivus, from fugitus, past participle of fugere to flee; akin to Greek pheugein to flee

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to FUGITIVE

Synonyms: evasive, elusive, slippery

Antonyms: ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, enduring, eternal, everlasting, immortal, lasting, long-lived, permanent, perpetual, timeless, undying, unending

Related Words: cagey (also cagy), shifty; ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, impermanent, momentary, passing, short-lived, temporary, transient, transitory; inaccessible, inconvenient, unapproachable, unattainable, unavailable, unobtainable, unreachable, untouchable

Near Antonyms: accessible, approachable, attainable, available, convenient, obtainable, reachable

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See Synonym Discussion at transient