Pronunciation: [fjˈuːd͡ʒɪtˌɪv] (IPA) 
The word "fugitive" is spelled with a "g" after the "u," even though it is pronounced as if it were spelled "fuyitive." This is due to the fact that the letter "g" is silent, but the original spelling of the word in Latin had a hard "g" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈfjuːdʒətɪv/. Be careful not to confuse this word with "fugue," which is a musical composition.
Fugitive is a noun that refers to a person who is fleeing or has escaped from imprisonment, captivity, or legal custody, attempting to avoid capture by authorities. It originated from the Latin word "fugitivus," meaning "fleeing" or "running away." Fugitives generally have outstanding warrants, pending charges, or are wanted for committing a crime. Due to their desire to evade capture, fugitives often resort to hiding in different locations, frequently altering their appearance, or assuming false identities.
The term fugitive can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is elusive, transient, or fleeting. It implies something that is difficult to grasp, capture, or pin down, referring to the notion of it quickly disappearing or evading detection. This adjective use of fugitive can be seen in phrases such as "fugitive moments," meaning brief or transitory periods, or "fugitive thoughts," referring to elusive or passing ideas.
Moreover, in legal terms, a fugitive from justice is an individual who has violated the law in one jurisdiction and is seeking to avoid legal consequences by escaping to another jurisdiction. This concept is often associated with extradition, a legal process whereby a fugitive is returned to the jurisdiction where the alleged crime was committed to face trial or punishment. Fugitive status can be conferred upon an individual by a warrant, indictment, or court order, thereby making them subject to arrest if located by authorities.
1. Temporary, transient. 2. Wandering, flying; noting certain inconstant symptoms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Apt to flee away; flying; volatile; escaping readily.
• A runaway; a deserter.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word fugitive originated from the Latin term fugitivus, which is derived from the Latin verb fugere, meaning to flee or escape. The term was later adopted into Middle English as fugitif and eventually evolved into the modern English word fugitive.
