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
- As he daydreamed, fugitive thoughts passed through his mind.
- <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
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
See Synonym Discussion at transient
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