sidestep

[ sahyd-step ]

verb (used without object)

, side·stepped, side·step·ping.

1. to step to one side.
2. to evade or avoid a decision, problem, or the like.

verb (used with object)

, side·stepped, side·step·ping.

1. to avoid or dodge by stepping aside.
2. to evade or avoid (a decision, problem, or the like).

sidestep

/ ˈsaɪdˌstɛp /

verb

1. to step aside from or out of the way of (something)
2. tr to dodge or circumvent

noun

1. a movement to one side, as in dancing, boxing, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈsideˌstepper, noun

Other Words From

• sidestepper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sidestep¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

But Pragnell is hoping Casa Bruja will sidestep the trend's downturn.

From The Daily Beast

A man appears to sidestep Graham as she walks by, then begins to follow her.

From The Daily Beast

Justice Thurgood Marshall saw this sidestep for what it was.

From The Daily Beast

The only question now is whether Boehner has the onions to sidestep the radicals.

From The Daily Beast

Sidestep snobby French cab drivers by hiring an iPad-toting chauffeur-driven car.

From The Daily Beast

Rapid fire legs sidestep the etchings of industrious ants while silverfish are the boatmen trouncing human oars.

From Project Gutenberg

When you seek to escape you find yourself backed up to the wall with no chance to sidestep.

From Project Gutenberg

"I just somehow kain't git over the notion she ought to sidestep them little rocks and holes of her own accord," he exclaimed.

From Project Gutenberg

By the time Kinton's aging muscles obeyed his impulse to sidestep, the spear had already hurtled past.

From Project Gutenberg

It was advantageous to sidestep the Crown since a letter or document took half a year to reach Spain.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• avoid
• bypass
• duck
• evade
• fudge
• skirt