dodge

¹

[doj]

verb (used with object)

dodged, dodging 

1. to elude or evade by a sudden shift of position or by strategy.

   to dodge a blow; to dodge a question.

   Synonyms: avoid

2. Photography.,  Also hold back. (in printing) to shade (an area of a print) from exposure for a period, while exposing the remainder of the print in order to lighten or eliminate the area (sometimes followed byout ).

verb (used without object)

dodged, dodging 

1. to move aside or change position suddenly, as to avoid a blow or get behind something.

2. to use evasive methods; prevaricate.

   When asked a direct question, he dodges.

   Synonyms: quibble, equivocate

noun

1. a quick, evasive movement, as a sudden jump away to avoid a blow or the like.

2. an ingenious expedient or contrivance; shifty trick.

3. Slang.,  a business, profession, or occupation.

Dodge

²

[doj]

noun

1. Mary Elizabeth, 1831–1905, U.S. editor and author of children's books.

dodge

/ dɒdʒ /

verb

1. to avoid or attempt to avoid (a blow, discovery, etc), as by moving suddenly

2. to evade (questions, etc) by cleverness or trickery

3. (intr) Leisure:Bell-ringing to make a bell change places with its neighbour when sounding in successive changes

4. (tr) photog to lighten or darken (selected areas on a print) by manipulating the light from an enlarger

noun

1. a plan or expedient contrived to deceive

2. a sudden evasive or hiding movement

3. a clever contrivance

4. Leisure:Bell-ringing the act of dodging

Other Word Forms

• outdodge verb (used with object)
• undodged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dodge¹

First recorded in 1560–70; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of dodge¹

C16: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

But some experts and many Altadena residents worry that the report’s lack of specificity helps officials dodge accountability and makes it more difficult to ensure that such a catastrophic failure doesn’t happen again.

From Los Angeles Times

“To Catch a Predator” had producers, too, and they’ve dodged their turn to brave the camera’s scrutiny.

From Los Angeles Times

He added passengers jokingly pointed out the "shellfish" crab had its feet on the seat, while others called out the crabby commuter for fare dodging.

From BBC

“We dodged a bullet,” Roberts said, “so we feel good about that.”

From Los Angeles Times

The deputy prime minister has denied trying to dodge the extra tax, but faces a probe into whether she broke ministerial rules.

From BBC

Related Words

• ditch 
• duck 
• elude 
• escape 
• evade 
• fend off www.thesaurus.com
• shuffle 
• sidestep 
• skirt