Vagrant Meaning and Definition
Vagrant
Pronunciation
/ˈvæɡrænt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Etymology
The word “Vagrant” originates from the Latin word “vagari”, meaning “to wander” or “to roam”.
Definition
A person who is without a fixed home or regular employment, often wandering from place to place, and living from hand to mouth.
Examples
- The vagrant wandered into town, looking for a place to rest and a hot meal.
- Vagrants often gather in city centers, looking for scraps or shelters.
- The city’s efforts to crack down on vagrancy led to increased homelessness.
- The shelter provided a warm meal and a place to stay for the night to the vagrant and his friend.
Synonyms
- Homeless
- Transient
Antonyms
- Sedentary
- Settled
Additional Information
Vagrants often face social and economic challenges, including poverty, lack of education, and poor health. Many organizations provide services and support to help them get back on their feet.
Vagrancy has been a recurring issue throughout history, with many societies and governments implementing policies to address it. However, it remains a complex and ongoing problem.
Usage Notes
The term “vagrant” can be sensitive and stigmatizing, so it’s often used cautiously or in specific contexts, such as social services or academic research.
Cultural References
Vagrancy has been depicted in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To be a vagrant
- To wander
Related Words or Phrases
- Homeless
- Transient
- Migrant
Collocations
- Vagrant and poverty
- Vagrant and homelessness
Frequency of Use
The term “vagrant” is relatively infrequent in modern language, often used in specific contexts or in reference to historical events.
Common Misspellings
Variegant, Vagrent