latitanza
absence while on the run, fugitive status
noun lah-tee-TAHN-tsah Rare
Origin: From Latin latitare (to hide), frequentative of latere (to lie hidden).
Usage Note
Latitanza is a legal and journalistic term for the state of being a fugitive from justice — being 'at large' while evading arrest. Darsi alla latitanza means 'to go on the run.' It frequently appears in Italian news coverage of organised crime. Do not confuse with assenza (mere absence) — latitanza carries the specific implication of deliberate concealment from authorities.
Examples
"Il boss era in latitanza da anni."
Natural Translation
The boss had been a fugitive for years.
Related Words
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