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

/ ʃɜːk /

verb

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

noun

1. a person who shirks

shirk

²

/ 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

Other Words From

• un·shirked adjective
• un·shirking 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

C17: probably from German Schurke rogue; see shark ²

Origin of shirk²

from Arabic: association

Example Sentences

"I think part of that was we were obviously trying to shirk traditional game design," says Will.

From BBC

He also accused the TomTom restaurateur of trying to “shirk personal responsibilities for the effects his actions had” on Madix.

From Los Angeles Times

Susman condemned Sandoval and accused him of trying to “shirk personal responsibilities for the effects his actions had” on Madix.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s the Tip O’Neill phenomenon: All politics are local,” said David Shirk, a political scientist at the University of San Diego, referring to the late congressional leader from Massachusetts.

From Los Angeles Times

“The real dilemma that a lot of candidates and officials face is this: If they are in the pocket of one criminal group, will they draw fire from another?” said Shirk, who heads the Justice in Mexico program at the University of San Diego.

From Los Angeles Times