verb C1 Advanced

elude

ih-LOOD

Elude (verb) means to avoid or escape someone or something, often through cleverness or luck. Example: “The suspect eluded police for nearly a week.”

verb

To avoid or escape someone or something, often through cleverness or luck.

"The suspect eluded police for nearly a week."

"A cure for the disease has eluded scientists for decades."

To fail to be remembered or understood by someone.

"Her name eludes me right now."

"The meaning of the poem eluded most of the class."

How to use elude

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo slip away from something — whether it's a pursuer, an answer, or a memory.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "allude" (to hint at something) — they sound alike but mean very different things.

Easily confused with

allude →

Common pairings

elude capture elude police the answer eludes me

Word forms

eluded past tense, eludes singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The suspect _____ police for nearly a week.

Etymology

From Latin eludere, "to trick or dodge" — built from ex- ("out") and ludere ("to play").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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escape duck dodge skirt hedge evade parry fudge circumvent bilk put off sidestep

Related words

friend woman miss flight avoid block ring border

Rhymes for elude

nude rude dude Jude crude prude exude Maude Laude delude Claude include

See all rhymes for elude →

Frequently asked questions

What does “elude” mean?

The word “elude” means to avoid or escape someone or something, often through cleverness or luck. In plain terms, to slip away from something — whether it's a pursuer, an answer, or a memory.

How do you pronounce “elude”?

“Elude” is pronounced ih-LOOD (/ɪˈlud/ in IPA).

How do you use “elude” in a sentence?

Here is “elude” used in a sentence: “The suspect eluded police for nearly a week.”

What part of speech is “elude”?

“Elude” is a verb.

Where does the word “elude” come from?

The word “elude” comes from Latin. From Latin eludere, "to trick or dodge" — built from ex- ("out") and ludere ("to play").

How many meanings does “elude” have?

“Elude” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to avoid or escape someone or something, often through cleverness or luck.

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