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Elude: meaning, definitions and examples

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elude

 

[ɪˈluːd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

escape

To evade or escape from someone or something by being quick, skillful, or clever.

Synonyms

avoid, dodge, escape, evade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elude

Use when talking about something or someone managing to avoid capture or understanding, often in a tricky or skillful way.

  • The cat eluded the dog's attempts to catch it.
  • Despite extensive research, the solution to the puzzle continues to elude the scientists.
evade

Similar to 'avoid', but often implies more effort and cleverness, sometimes used in a negative context indicating dishonesty.

  • He evaded the question by changing the topic.
  • They tried to evade paying taxes.
avoid

Commonly used for staying away from something undesirable, often as a precaution.

  • She took a different route to avoid the traffic.
  • He's trying to avoid getting into an argument.
escape

Refers to getting away from a place where one is confined, or from a dangerous or unpleasant situation.

  • The prisoners planned their escape for weeks.
  • They managed to escape the burning building unharmed.
dodge

Often implies a sudden, quick movement to avoid something, can also imply avoiding responsibilities or duties.

  • He managed to dodge the ball just in time.
  • She constantly dodges her chores.

Examples of usage

  • He managed to elude the police by hiding in the abandoned building.
  • The criminal eluded capture for months before finally being apprehended.
  • She tried to elude the paparazzi by sneaking out the back door.
  • The elusive criminal continued to elude authorities despite their best efforts.
  • The clever fox was able to elude the hunters and escape into the forest.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'eludere,' which means 'to evade' or 'to escape.'
  • In the 15th century, it was first used in the English language, mainly in the context of tricking or escaping.
  • The prefix 'e-' means 'out of' or 'from,' while '-lude' relates to 'play' or 'to play.'

Psychology

  • Eluding can be a defense mechanism, helping people escape uncomfortable emotions or situations.
  • In studies, individuals often employ elusion in social contexts to avoid conflict or unwanted attention.
  • The concept relates closely to avoidance behavior, where someone escapes situations perceived as threatening.

Literature

  • In many stories, characters elude their pursuers, showcasing wit and agility, often symbolizing freedom.
  • In Shakespeare’s plays, elusion often highlighted themes of deception and cleverness.
  • Classic tales frequently use elusion as a plot device, adding tension and excitement to the narrative.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often feature protagonists who must elude villains, adding suspense to the storyline.
  • Popular games include mechanics where players elude capture, making the gameplay thrilling and strategic.
  • The phrase 'elude the authorities' appears in various crime dramas, emphasizing the cat-and-mouse dynamics.

Science

  • In physics, 'elude' can be metaphorically used to describe particles that escape detection in experiments.
  • The idea of eluding is also present in animal behavior, such as prey eluding predators through camouflage and quick movements.
  • Research into complex systems shows that certain events may elude prediction, showcasing the unpredictability of chaos theory.

Translations

Translations of the word "elude" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escapar

🇮🇳 बच निकलना

🇩🇪 entkommen

🇮🇩 menghindar

🇺🇦 ухилятися

🇵🇱 unikać

🇯🇵 回避する (かいひする)

🇫🇷 échapper

🇪🇸 eludir

🇹🇷 kaçmak

🇰🇷 피하다

🇸🇦 يتجنب

🇨🇿 vyhnout se

🇸🇰 vyhnúť sa

🇨🇳 躲避 (duǒbì)

🇸🇮 izogniti se

🇮🇸 sleppa

🇰🇿 қашу

🇬🇪 თავიდან აცილება

🇦🇿 qurtulmaq

🇲🇽 eludir

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,192, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.