Dodge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dodge

[dษ’dส’ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in sports

To avoid being hit by something such as a ball, or to avoid hitting something

Synonyms

avoid, evade, sidestep.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dodge

Used when talking about quickly moving out of the way to avoid something physical or metaphorical, often implying agility or cleverness.

  • He dodged the ball just in time.
  • She always dodges difficult questions during meetings.
evade

Often used in a more formal or serious context, implying an active effort to escape or elude something, sometimes with a negative connotation.

  • The suspect evaded the police.
  • He always finds a way to evade responsibility.
avoid

Generally used in broader contexts to mean staying away from something, often with the intent of prevention or caution.

  • She tries to avoid unhealthy foods.
  • He avoided making eye contact with his boss.
sidestep

Used to describe the act of moving to the side to avoid something, often used metaphorically to imply avoiding a direct issue or confrontation.

  • She sidestepped the puddle on the street.
  • He sidestepped the controversial topic during the interview.

Examples of usage

  • He dodged the defender and scored a goal.
  • The player dodged the incoming pitch.
  • The quarterback dodged the tackle and threw a pass for a touchdown.
Context #2 | Noun

in automotive

A brand of American automobile

Synonyms

automobile brand, car manufacturer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dodge

In this context, it is used as a proper noun to refer to the American car brand known for its powerful and durable vehicles.

  • He drives a Dodge Ram, which is known for its towing capacity.
  • Dodge has released a new line of muscle cars this year.
automobile brand

This phrase is used when referring to a specific company that sells and manufactures cars. It's a category term that can apply to various car brands.

  • Tesla is a popular automobile brand known for its electric vehicles.
  • BMW is a luxury automobile brand.
car manufacturer

When you want to refer to a company that constructs and assembles cars, this phrase is appropriate. It is more formal and technical.

  • Toyota is a leading car manufacturer with factories around the world.
  • Ford is an American car manufacturer that has been in business for over a century.

Examples of usage

  • She drives a Dodge Charger.
  • The Dodge Ram is a popular truck model.
  • My favorite Dodge model is the Challenger.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports & Games

  • Dodgeball is a popular school game where players throw balls at each other while trying to dodge them.
  • In martial arts, dodging is crucial for avoiding attacks, showcasing the importance of agility and reflexes.
  • Many popular video games feature dodge mechanics where players must avoid enemy attacks to succeed.

Psychology

  • The act of dodging can be linked to instinctual survival responses, showing our natural inclination to avoid danger.
  • In sports psychology, effective dodging requires not only physical agility but also quick decision-making skills.
  • Dodge behaviors can reflect coping mechanisms in social situations, such as avoiding conflict or stress.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of 'dodging' has been humorously featured in movies and TV shows where characters often avoid awkward situations.
  • In superhero films, dodging is a common theme, with heroes showcasing incredible reflexes to evade threats.
  • Popular memes often use the idea of 'dodging' to humorously depict avoiding responsibilities or challenges.

Literature

  • In many novels, characters use dodging as a metaphor for avoiding the realities of life or personal responsibilities.
  • Classic espionage literature frequently features dodgingโ€”both physically in evading capture and mentally in avoiding detection.
  • Dodging can also symbolize a character's inner conflict, representing their struggle to confront issues head-on.

Origin of 'dodge'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'doggen,' meaning to evade or avoid.
  • Originally, 'dodge' meant to make a sudden quick movement, often used in strategies during games.
  • It began to be widely used in the 18th century, growing in popularity as games like dodgeball emerged.

The word 'dodge' originated in the early 16th century, derived from Middle English 'dogge' which meant 'to move quickly'. Initially used in the context of avoiding a blow or missile, the term later expanded to include the idea of trickery or deception. In the automotive industry, Dodge is an American brand known for producing cars, trucks, and SUVs.


See also: dodger, dodginess, dodging, dodgy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,795, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.