Main Entry: elude

Pronunciation: \ē-ˈlüd\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): elud·ed; elud·ing

Etymology: Latin eludere, from e- + ludere to play — more at ludicrous

Date: 1667

1 : to avoid adroitly : evade <the mice eluded the traps> <managed to elude capture>
2 : to escape the perception, understanding, or grasp of <subtlety simply eludes them> <victory continued to elude us>
3 : defy 4 <it eludes explanation>

synonyms see escape