Dodge
/dɒdʒ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo avoid someone or something by moving quickly or cleverly.
/dɒdʒ/
To avoid something by moving quickly
The boxer skillfully dodged the punch.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing tag, and someone's trying to get you. Dodging means moving quickly so they can't catch you! It’s like when you see a puddle and step to the side to keep your shoes dry. For example: The cat dodged the laser pointer.
👶 For kids: To move quickly to get out of the way!
More Examples
He dodged the incoming car by swerving onto the sidewalk.
She tried to dodge the difficult topic during the conversation.
How It's Used
"The running back dodged the tackler's attempt."
"She dodged the question by changing the subject."
To avoid doing something that you should do or that is expected of you.
/dɒdʒ/
To evade or escape something unwelcome
He tried to dodge the consequences of his actions.
💡 Simply: It's like when you try to get out of doing chores or answering a question you don't want to. You might use your smarts to keep from facing something unpleasant. For example: He tried to dodge the responsibility of taking care of the dog.
👶 For kids: To try to get out of doing something you don't want to do.
More Examples
She cleverly dodged the interview questions about her past.
The company dodged regulations by offshore operations.
How It's Used
"He dodged paying taxes by using loopholes."
"She successfully dodged the responsibilities of the meeting."
An evasive movement or the act of evading.
/dɒdʒ/
An act of avoiding someone or something.
He made a swift dodge to avoid the oncoming car.
💡 Simply: It's the actual act of dodging or moving out of the way. So, if someone throws a ball at you and you move so it doesn't hit you, that’s a dodge! For example: The player used a smooth dodge to get around the defender.
👶 For kids: A move to get out of the way.
More Examples
The boxer's quick dodge earned him a point.
Her clever dodge saved her from an embarrassing moment.
How It's Used
"His quick dodge allowed him to avoid the tackle."
"He performed a perfect dodge to the question."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
dodge a bullet
To narrowly avoid a dangerous or unpleasant situation.
"I really dodged a bullet by not taking that job; it turned out to be a disaster."
From Middle English doggen ('to run nimbly'), related to Old English *docga ('dog'), perhaps reflecting the quick movements of a dog. The exact etymological connection is debated.
The verb 'dodge' has been used since the 14th century, initially describing swift or evasive movements, and later expanding to include avoiding responsibilities or difficult topics.
Memory tip
Think of a skilled athlete quickly dodging an obstacle.
Word Origin
"To move quickly, to avoid."