VocabDictionary

wanted person

/ˈwɒn.tɪd ˈpɜː.sən/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

An individual who is being sought by law enforcement authorities, typically because they are suspected of having committed a crime.

Example Sentences:
  • The police released a photograph of the wanted person to the local news stations.
  • He was identified as a wanted person after a routine traffic stop revealed an outstanding warrant.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “wanted person”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The term combines the past participle of the Middle English 'wanten' (to lack or desire) with the Latin-derived 'persona' (mask or character). In a legal context, it evolved from the 19th-century practice of posting 'Wanted' posters to signify that a person is being sought by law enforcement for questioning or arrest.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'Wanted' poster on a saloon wall in an old Western movie; the person on the poster is the 'wanted person'.

Frequently Asked Questions About “wanted person

1. What is the meaning of “wanted person” in English?

In English, wanted person (noun) is defined as: “An individual who is being sought by law enforcement authorities, typically because they are suspected of having committed a crime.”.

2. How do you use “wanted person” in a sentence?

The police released a photograph of the wanted person to the local news stations.

3. What are English synonyms of “wanted person”?

Common synonyms include:fugitive,suspect,person of interest,outlaw

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “wanted person”?

The term combines the past participle of the Middle English 'wanten' (to lack or desire) with the Latin-derived 'persona' (mask or character). In a legal context, it evolved from the 19th-century practice of posting 'Wanted' posters to signify that a person is being sought by law enforcement for questioning or arrest.