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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.

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