Evade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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evade

[ɪˈveɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

avoiding danger

Escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or trickery.

Synonyms

avoid, dodge, elude, escape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
evade

Used when someone is actively trying to escape from something they find unpleasant or dangerous, often by being clever or deceitful.

  • He tried to evade the police by hiding in an abandoned building.
  • She always evades questions about her past.
avoid

Used when someone stays away from something because they want to or it is best to. It’s more about conscious decision rather than action to run away.

  • He avoids junk food to stay healthy.
  • I try to avoid negative people.
dodge

Used when someone makes a sudden or quick movement to avoid something. It often applies to physical movement but can be used metaphorically.

  • He dodged the ball just in time.
  • She dodged the question by changing the topic.
elude

Used when someone escapes from something using cleverness or skill, often implying that the pursuer cannot catch them.

  • The criminal eluded capture for years.
  • The solution to the problem eluded him for months.
escape

Used when someone successfully gets away from a place or situation where they were trapped or confined.

  • They managed to escape from the burning building.
  • She escaped the monotonous routine by going on vacation.

Examples of usage

  • He tried to evade the question.
  • She managed to evade capture by hiding in the forest.
Context #2 | Verb

avoiding responsibility

Fail to fulfill or carry out a duty or responsibility.

Synonyms

avoid, dodge, escape, shirk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
evade

Used when someone is trying to avoid something often in a skillful or sneaky manner. It typically involves effort and cunning.

  • He tried to evade paying taxes by hiding his earnings.
  • The criminal managed to evade the police.
shirk

Specifically implies avoiding responsibilities or duties, often in a lazy or dishonest manner. It has a negative connotation.

  • He was known to shirk his duties whenever possible.
  • She always manages to shirk her household chores.
avoid

Generally used when someone wishes to stay away from something or someone. It does not necessarily imply effort or skill.

  • I try to avoid fast food for a healthier diet.
  • She avoids talking to people she doesn't like.
dodge

Often implies a quick and sudden movement to get away from something physical or metaphorical. It can have a playful or negative connotation depending on the situation.

  • He managed to dodge the flying ball just in time.
  • They accused him of dodging his responsibilities.
escape

Used when someone successfully gets away from a place or situation where they were trapped or confined.

  • The prisoners were able to escape from the prison.
  • She needed a way to escape her stressful job.

Examples of usage

  • He tried to evade paying his taxes.
  • She evaded her obligations by making excuses.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, evading can refer to avoiding responsibilities, like evading taxes, which is illegal.
  • Some people might use clever tactics or loopholes to evade legal consequences.
  • Evading arrest involves actions a person takes to avoid being caught by law enforcement.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, evading can refer to avoiding confronting fear or anxiety, often leading to more stress in the long run.
  • Defense mechanisms, such as denial or distraction, are forms of evasion that help people cope with uncomfortable emotions.
  • People may evade issues in relationships, which can lead to misunderstandings and unresolved problems.

Pop Culture

  • In action movies, characters often evade capture through daring escapes and clever tricks.
  • Video games frequently use the concept of evasion, where players dodge attacks or avoid enemies to survive.
  • Cartoon characters like Wile E. Coyote often embody the idea of evasion through humorous pursuits and failures.

Biology

  • Certain animals have developed unique adaptations to evade predators, such as camouflage or speed.
  • Insects, like the praying mantis, use evasion tactics to avoid being eaten, demonstrating survival instincts.
  • Plants may also exhibit evasive traits, like growing in ways that avoid harsh weather or grazing animals.

Origin of 'evade'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'evade' comes from the Latin 'evadere', which means 'to escape or get away from'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 15th century, closely tied to the idea of avoiding something.
  • The prefix 'e-' indicates 'out of' or 'away', while 'vadere' means 'to go'.

The word 'evade' originated from the Latin word 'evadere', which means 'to escape'. Over time, it evolved in English to represent the act of avoiding or escaping something, often through clever means. The concept of evasion has been prevalent in various cultures and is commonly associated with strategies used in warfare, politics, and daily life.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,692, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.