# dodging

/ˈdɑdʒɪŋ/ (US) · /dˈɒdʒɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dodging
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

to move quickly to avoid being hit by something, or to avoid doing something you should do.

For teachers: to avoid an impact or an obligation through a sudden, evasive movement or a clever tactic. Often describes the act of bypassing rules or responsibilities.

## Examples

- He is dodging his chores by staying in his room.
- The politician spent the entire interview dodging difficult questions about the new tax policy.
- By dodging the draft and fleeing across the border, he became a symbol of resistance for some and a coward to others.

## Pitfalls

- Not "he is dodging from the ball" but "he is dodging the ball" — Dodge is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition before the object.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object, such as a physical projectile or an abstract responsibility.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.