Definition

Noun: A person who is actively being pursued by law enforcement authorities because they are wanted in connection with a crime and is attempting to avoid capture, arrest, or legal prosecution.

Usage

This term is a formal, legal compound noun used to describe an individual's status. It is often used in official contexts such as legal documents, law enforcement communications, and news reports. * The interstate alert was issued for a fugitive from justice believed to be crossing state lines. * After skipping bail, he was officially declared a fugitive from justice.

Examples

• The marshals' primary task was to track down the fugitive from justice.
• She lived in hiding for years as a fugitive from justice before turning herself in.
• The treaty includes provisions for the extradition of fugitives from justice.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) before another noun.
  • The agency manages a fugitive-from-justice database shared nationwide.

Variants and Related Words

• Fugitive (noun): A more general term for someone who flees, often from danger or captivity, but commonly understood in a legal context to mean a person fleeing from law enforcement. ("The escaped prisoner became a fugitive.")
• Runaway (noun): Typically refers to a person, especially a minor, who has left home without permission. It does not inherently imply fleeing from criminal charges.

Synonyms

• Wanted criminal
• Outlaw (historical or general context)
• Absconder (specifically one who has fled to avoid legal consequences)

Related Phrases

• On the lam: (Idiomatic, informal) Fleeing from law enforcement.
  • The suspects have been on the lam for three weeks.
• Wanted poster: A public notice issued by law enforcement featuring the details and often a picture of a fugitive.

Noun

1. someone who is sought by law officers; someone trying to elude justice