dodge
1 Americanverb (used with object)
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to elude or evade by a sudden shift of position or by strategy.
to dodge a blow; to dodge a question.
- Synonyms:
- avoid
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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)
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to move aside or change position suddenly, as to avoid a blow or get behind something.
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to use evasive methods; prevaricate.
When asked a direct question, he dodges.
- Synonyms:
- quibble, equivocate
noun
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a quick, evasive movement, as a sudden jump away to avoid a blow or the like.
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an ingenious expedient or contrivance; shifty trick.
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Slang. a business, profession, or occupation.
noun
verb
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to avoid or attempt to avoid (a blow, discovery, etc), as by moving suddenly
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to evade (questions, etc) by cleverness or trickery
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(intr) Leisure:Bell-ringing to make a bell change places with its neighbour when sounding in successive changes
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(tr) photog to lighten or darken (selected areas on a print) by manipulating the light from an enlarger
noun
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a plan or expedient contrived to deceive
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a sudden evasive or hiding movement
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a clever contrivance
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Leisure:Bell-ringing the act of dodging
Other Word Forms
- outdodge verb (used with object)
- undodged adjective
Etymology
Origin of dodge
First recorded in 1560–70; of obscure origin
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She also dodged when asked if she’d encourage parents to get their children vaccinated against measles.
Under questioning from his lawyer, Goldstein denied knowingly dodging taxes or intentionally breaking the law.
When Rowdy reared up on me like that, he was just about the same height as I was and there was no way I could dodge his lapping tongue.
From Literature
And by that I mean find the right fit, scroll on past the “bored blowhards,” as one traveler described some group members to me, and dodge the occasional bullies.
The 48-year-old American has long been a controversial figure, often criticized for an overly defensive style, and accused by some of dodging the most dangerous opponents simply to embellish his record.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
