shirk

American  

[shurk] / ʃɜrk /

verb (used with object)

1. to evade (work, duty, responsibility, etc.).

   Synonyms:

   dodge , avoid , shun

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verb (used without object)

1. to evade work, duty, etc.

noun

1. a shirker.

shirk ¹ British  

/ ʃɪːk /

noun

1. Islam

   1. the fundamental sin of regarding anything as equal to Allah

   2. any belief that is considered to be in opposition to Allah and Islam

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shirk ² British  

/ ʃɜːk /

verb

1. to avoid discharging (work, a duty, etc); evade

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noun

1. a person who shirks

Other Word Forms

• unshirked adjective
• unshirking adjective

Etymology

Origin of shirk

First recorded in 1625–35; obscurely akin to shark ²

Example Sentences

Sall has shirked all questions about this, neither confirming nor denying the claim.

From Reuters

"The size he is, the players he's up against, he doesn't shirk any of it. He's been outstanding from the moment he joined the football club."

From BBC

Yet, state lawmakers continue to shirk their duty to amply fund the state’s public school system.

From Seattle Times

Researchers said Facebook’s delay in releasing the report was part of a pattern of shirking responsibility.

From Washington Post

They might even deliberately shortchange Uncle Sam, particularly if they believe their richer neighbors are already shirking.

From Washington Post