dodge

²dodge

verb

dodgeddodg·ing

Definition of DODGE

intransitive verb

1

a : to move to and fro or from place to place usually in an irregular course <dodged through the crowd> b : to make a sudden movement in a new direction (as to evade a blow) <dodged behind the door>

2

: to evade a responsibility or duty especially by trickery or deceit

transitive verb

1

a : to evade by a sudden or repeated shift of position <dodge tacklers> b : to avoid an encounter with <celebrities dodging the media>

2

: to evade (as a duty) usually indirectly or by trickery <dodged the draft by leaving the country> <dodged questions>

— dodge a bullet also dodge the bullet

: to narrowly avoid an unwelcome, harmful, or disastrous outcome or occurrence <coastal towns dodged a bullet when the hurricane veered out to sea>

Examples of DODGE

1. He dodged the first punch but was hit by the second.
2. She dodged through the crowds as she hurried home.
3. We dodged between the cars as we raced across the street.
4. They managed to dodge the reporters by leaving through the back exit.
5. She accused him of dodging his responsibilities as a parent.

First Known Use of DODGE

1680

Related to DODGE

Synonyms: duck, jink, sidestep, slalom, weave, zigzag

Antonyms: comply (with), follow, keep, obey, observe

Related Words: avoid, elude, escape, evade, parry, shirk, skirt; deflect, turn; slide, slip

Near Antonyms: accede (to), acquiesce (to), assent (to); accept, court, embrace, pursue, seek, welcome; catch, contract, incur

see all synonyms and antonyms

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