Dodge

Part of Speech

Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

/dɒdʒ/ (British English), /dɑːdʒ/ (American English)

Definitions

• (Verb) To move quickly aside to avoid something.
• (Verb) To evade or avoid a responsibility or question.
• (Noun) A clever trick or tactic used to avoid something.

Usage Examples

• He dodged the ball just in time.
• She tried to dodge the reporter’s questions.
• That was just a political dodge to avoid accountability.

Etymology

The origin of dodge is uncertain, but it dates back to the 16th century, meaning to move suddenly aside. It later evolved to include avoiding responsibilities or tricking someone.

Synonyms

• Avoid
• Evade
• Sidestep
• Elude
• Maneuver

Antonyms

• Confront
• Face
• Meet

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: "DODJ"
• American English: "DAWDJ"
• Australian English: "DODJ"

Historical Usage

The verb dodge has been in use since the 16th century, originally meaning "to move suddenly aside." By the 18th and 19th centuries, it gained the meaning of avoiding responsibility or tricking someone.

Cultural Nuances

The word dodge has a neutral or slightly negative connotation, depending on the context. It is often used in sports, politics, and everyday conversation to refer to avoiding something.

More Information

Dodge is frequently used in sports, combat, and driving to describe evasive maneuvers. In some contexts, it implies dishonesty or cunning behavior, such as dodging taxes or responsibilities. The term is also associated with the automobile brand "Dodge."