First Known Use: 1575
Dictionary
1dodge
noun \ˈdäj\
: a clever or dishonest trick done in order to avoid something
Full Definition of DODGE
1
: an act of evading by sudden bodily movement
2
a : an artful device to evade, deceive, or trick b : expedient
See dodge defined for English-language learners
See dodge defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DODGE
origin unknown
Related to DODGE
2dodge
verb
: to move quickly to one side in order to avoid being hit by (someone or something)
: to move quickly in order to avoid being hit, seen, stopped, etc.
: to get away from or avoid (someone or something) in a skillful or dishonest way
dodgeddodg·ing
Full Definition of DODGE
intransitive verb
1
a : to move to and fro or from place to place usually in an irregular course <dodged through the crowd> b : to make a sudden movement in a new direction (as to evade a blow) <dodged behind the door>
2
: to evade a responsibility or duty especially by trickery or deceit
transitive verb
1
a : to evade by a sudden or repeated shift of position <dodge tacklers> b : to avoid an encounter with <celebrities dodging the media>
2
: to evade (as a duty) usually indirectly or by trickery <dodged the draft by leaving the country> <dodged questions>
— dodge a bullet also dodge the bullet
: to narrowly avoid an unwelcome, harmful, or disastrous outcome or occurrence <coastal towns dodged a bullet when the hurricane veered out to sea>
See dodge defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DODGE
1680
Dodge
biographical name \ˈdäj\
Definition of DODGE
Mary Elizabeth 1831–1905 née Mapes \ˈmāps\ Am. author
DODGE Defined for Kids
1dodge
noun \ˈdäj\
Definition of DODGE for Kids
1
: a sudden movement to one side
2
: a trick done to avoid something
2dodge
verb
dodgeddodg·ing
Definition of DODGE for Kids
1
: to move suddenly aside or to and fro <We dodged through the crowd.>
2
: to avoid especially by moving quickly <dodge a punch>
Learn More About DODGE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up dodge? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).