Evasion: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is deliberately avoiding something, often with a sense of being sneaky or dishonest. Commonly used in legal or formal contexts.

• The tax evasion scandal involved several high-profile figures
• His constant evasion of responsibilities frustrated his colleagues

Used when someone stays away from something, usually not involving dishonesty but rather a personal or strategic choice.

• Her avoidance of conflict led to a more peaceful workplace
• The company's risk avoidance strategies were effective during the crisis

Used in informal contexts when someone is actively trying to get out of an obligation or avoid something unpleasant, with a connotation of being quick or clever.

• He's always dodging chores around the house
• The politician was accused of dodging difficult questions during the interview

Used when breaking free from confinement or a threatening situation. This can be literal, like escaping from a place, or metaphorical, like escaping a problem.

• The prisoners planned their escape for weeks
• She needed an escape from her stressful job

Used when successfully evading something that is pursing or threatening, often with a sense of cleverness or skill.

• The fugitive's elusion of the police lasted for months
• Her elusion of the paparazzi was impressive

Used when someone avoids something, like a question or obligation, especially in a dishonest or sneaky way.

• His evasion of taxes landed him in serious trouble with the law.
• Her constant evasion of my questions made me suspicious.

Often used when someone physically moves to avoid something, but can also mean avoiding a responsibility or question in an informal or casual way.

• He managed to dodge the ball just in time.
• She always tries to dodge doing her share of the work.

Implying deception or cunning, it's used when someone uses clever or deceptive methods to achieve a goal. Often has a negative connotation.

• He played a trick on his friends as a joke.
• The magician's trick left the audience in awe.

Typically used when someone makes a calculated or skillful movement to achieve a specific goal, often in a complex or tricky situation.

• The pilot had to maneuver around the storm to ensure a safe landing.
• She skillfully maneuvered through the political landscape to secure her position.

Use when referring to avoiding or dodging something, often in a subtle or dishonest way, such as avoiding responsibilities or taxes. Usually has a negative connotation.

• His evasion of the question made everyone suspicious
• Tax evasion is a serious crime

Best used when someone successfully gets away from a physical confinement or a difficult situation. It implies a successful act of getting freedom.

• They planned their escape from prison for months
• The cat managed to escape from the house

Suitable when referring to quickly avoiding something that is coming towards you, such as an attack or a physical object, or metaphorically avoiding a question or responsibility. Informal and can have a playful connotation.

• He was skilled at dodging punches in the boxing ring
• She kept dodging the manager's questions about her lateness