verb
Common
dodge
doj
Dodge (verb) means to avoid something by moving quickly out of its way. Example: “The cyclist dodged a pothole and swerved safely around the parked van.”
verb
1
To avoid something by moving quickly out of its way.
"The cyclist dodged a pothole and swerved safely around the parked van."
"He dodged the ball just in time."
"She dodged through traffic to catch the bus."
2
To avoid dealing with a question, responsibility, or difficulty.
"He kept dodging my calls because he owed me some money."
"Stop dodging the issue and tell me what really happened."
"The politician dodged every question about the scandal."
noun
1
A trick or clever way of avoiding something, especially a duty or tax.
"Pretending to be ill was a cheap dodge to avoid the meeting."
"Using a false address was an old dodge to skip the fee."
"The whole scheme was just a tax dodge."
How to use dodge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo avoid something, whether a physical object or an uncomfortable question, usually by quick or clever movement.
Common pairings
dodge a question
dodge traffic
tax dodge
dodge responsibility
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Word forms
- Plural
- dodges
- Third person singular
- dodges
- Past tense
- dodged
- Comparative
- more dodge
- Superlative
- most dodge
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cyclist _____ a pothole and swerved safely around the parked van.
Etymology
Likely from an English dialect verb meaning "to jerk or move suddenly," of uncertain deeper origin.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for dodge
See all rhymes for dodge →Frequently asked questions
What does “dodge” mean?
The word “dodge” means to avoid something by moving quickly out of its way. In plain terms, to avoid something, whether a physical object or an uncomfortable question, usually by quick or clever movement.
How do you pronounce “dodge”?
“Dodge” is pronounced doj (/dɑd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dodge” in a sentence?
Here is “dodge” used in a sentence: “He dodged the ball just in time.”
What part of speech is “dodge”?
Depending on how it is used, “dodge” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “dodge” a common word?
“Dodge” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “dodge” have?
“Dodge” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to avoid something by moving quickly out of its way.
What is the difference between 'dodge' and 'avoid'?
To dodge suggests a quick, often evasive move to get out of the way, whether physical or figurative. To avoid is broader and more neutral, meaning simply to keep away from something without implying a sudden manoeuvre.
What is the difference between 'dodge' and 'evade'?
Both mean to escape something cleverly, but 'evade' is more formal and often implies deliberate, ongoing avoidance, as in evading taxes or capture. 'Dodge' tends to be more sudden, more physical, and slightly more informal.
What is a 'tax dodge'?
A tax dodge is a clever scheme for avoiding paying tax. Used as a noun, 'dodge' means a trick or crafty method, and the phrase usually carries a disapproving tone.
Is 'dodgy' related to the word 'dodge'?
Yes, 'dodgy' comes from the same idea and is an informal, mainly British word meaning suspicious, unreliable, or dishonest. Something dodgy seems as though it involves a dodge or trick.
