dodge
B2Neutral to informal. Common in everyday speech, journalism, and narrative.
Definition
Meaning
To avoid something by moving quickly aside, or to evade a responsibility or duty through cunning or deceit.
In computing, a technique to avoid detection; in mechanics, a feature to selectively avoid an action (e.g., dodge charging in games).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries dual connotations of physical agility (neutral/positive) and moral evasion (negative).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use identically. 'Dodgeball' is the common game name in both.
Connotations
Slightly more negative in UK for 'dodge' meaning 'shady' or 'illegal' (e.g., a dodge deal).
Frequency
Equal frequency; 'dodgy' as adjective is more frequent in UK English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
dodge [OBJECT]dodge [OBJECT] by [VERB+ING]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dodge a bullet”
- “dodge the issue”
- “on the dodge (archaic/criminal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Avoiding accountability or a difficult market condition.
Academic
Rare; used in discussions of ethics or evasive arguments.
Everyday
Avoiding objects, people, or awkward questions.
Technical
In gaming/UI: 'dodge mechanic', 'dodge roll'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- That was a clever dodge to get out of paying the fee.
- He's up to some dodge with those fake watches.
American English
- His tax dodge finally caught up with him.
- The car's safety features include a lane-change dodge.
verb
British English
- He had to dodge the cyclists on his way to the pub.
- The minister dodged the interviewer's question skilfully.
American English
- She dodged the paparazzi by leaving through the back exit.
- He's always dodging his share of the chores.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child dodged behind a tree.
- Dodge the ball in the game!
- I tried to dodge his call because I was busy.
- The footballer dodged two defenders and scored.
- The CEO was accused of dodging questions about the company's environmental record.
- They used a legal dodge to avoid inheritance tax.
- The narrative deftly dodges simplistic moral conclusions.
- The new malware can dodge traditional detection methods.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DODGE car swerving to avoid a pothole.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULTIES ARE PHYSICAL OBSTACLES (dodge a problem).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'dog' or 'doge'. Avoid using 'dodge' for simple 'avoid' in formal contexts where 'evade' or 'circumvent' is better.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dodge' with 'from' (incorrect: dodge from the ball).
- Confusing 'dodge' (verb) with 'dodgy' (adjective).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a common meaning of 'dodge'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It can be neutral (dodge a falling branch) or negative (dodge taxes), depending on context.
Yes, meaning a cunning trick to avoid something, often rules or payments (e.g., a tax dodge).
'Dodge' implies a quick, clever, or deceptive move to escape something imminent. 'Avoid' is broader and can be planned.
A game where players throw balls at opponents to hit them, while the opponents try to dodge.