dodge

¹

[ doj ]

verb (used with object)

, dodged, dodg·ing.

1. to elude or evade by a sudden shift of position or by strategy:

   to dodge a blow; to dodge a question.

   Synonyms: avoid

2. Also hold back. Photography. (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 by out ). Compare burn ¹( def 47 ).

verb (used without object)

, dodged, dodg·ing.

1. to move aside or change position suddenly, as to avoid a blow or get behind something.
2. to use evasive methods; prevaricate:

   When asked a direct question, he dodges.

   Synonyms: quibble, equivocate

noun

1. a quick, evasive movement, as a sudden jump away to avoid a blow or the like.
2. an ingenious expedient or contrivance; shifty trick.
3. Slang. a business, profession, or occupation.

Dodge

²

[ doj ]

noun

1. Mary Elizabeth, 1831–1905, U.S. editor and author of children's books.

dodge

/ dɒdʒ /

verb

1. to avoid or attempt to avoid (a blow, discovery, etc), as by moving suddenly
2. to evade (questions, etc) by cleverness or trickery
3. intr Leisure:Bell-ringing to make a bell change places with its neighbour when sounding in successive changes
4. tr photog to lighten or darken (selected areas on a print) by manipulating the light from an enlarger

noun

1. a plan or expedient contrived to deceive
2. a sudden evasive or hiding movement
3. a clever contrivance
4. Leisure:Bell-ringing the act of dodging

Other Words From

• out·dodge verb (used with object) outdodged outdodging
• un·dodged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dodge¹

First recorded in 1560–70; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of dodge¹

C16: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Sir Keir dodged a question about a report Trump had privately described him as "very left-wing".

From BBC

When Trump was first asked about how he voted on Amendment, he dodged the question.

From Salon

Parents filled city meetings, worried about their kids breathing in diesel fumes while running cross-country or dodging 18-wheelers as they hustled toward class each morning.

From Salon

Undeterred, many simply turn around and renew their northbound journeys, dodging criminals, crooked cops and Mexican immigration agents.

From Los Angeles Times

Anyone who dodges paying tax faces a higher interest rate when paying it back.

From BBC