shirk

[shurk]

verb (used with object)

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

   Synonyms: dodge, avoid, shun

verb (used without object)

1. to evade work, duty, etc.

noun

1. a shirker.

shirk

¹

/ 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

shirk

²

/ ʃɜːk /

verb

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

noun

1. a person who shirks

Other Word Forms

• unshirked adjective
• unshirking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shirk¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of shirk¹

from Arabic: association

Origin of shirk²

C17: probably from German Schurke rogue; see _shark ²

Example Sentences

Heather Oliver, for Mr Berrill, said he had "not shirked the reality of his own misconduct" and had not resigned like the others.

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The “experiment” — Smith shirks at the word performance — is designed, he says, for believers and nonbelievers.

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An electric runner, skilful with both her hands and boot, who never shirks the tough stuff - any side in the world would miss Ellie Kildunne.

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None of the trio shirked their responsibility, delivering a lion-hearted effort on Saturday in particular.

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But everything up to this point shows he never shirks a challenge, and he usually finds success.

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