Etymology Map
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Fugitive

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a person who has escaped

Where does the word "fugitive" come from? It comes from Latin fugitivus, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
fugitivus
Latin · ancient
"fleeing"
from 'fugere', to flee
2
Stage 2 of 2
fugitive
English · 1300s
"runaway"
came into English through French 'fugitif'
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Read the full story

Fugitive’s story begins in Latin: fugitivus meant “fleeing.” From 'fugere', to flee. It reached English by 1300s as fugitive. Came into English through French 'fugitif'. Today, fugitive means a person who has escaped.