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

After the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many Western countries imposed sanctions on Russian energy, which Moscow is accused of dodging by shipping oil on aged tankers often with obscure ownership or insurance.

Read more on BBC

The troll grabs at Autumn, but she dodges.

Read more on Literature

“Agreed,” said Alexander, dodging back and forth behind the billowing curtain.

Read more on Literature

Republicans can dodge the subject and hope voters don’t notice, which is a losing strategy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

One resident said elderly people and those with mobility issues were often being forced to dodge traffic, while many pedestrians were being sprayed with water by passing cars.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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