evade

/ɪˈveɪd/
verbIntermediate
⚖️Law
formal

To escape or avoid something, especially by cleverness or trickery

The suspect tried to evade the police by hiding in an abandoned building.

The suspect attempted to avoid capture by concealing himself in an abandoned building.

The company tried to evade taxes by setting up offshore accounts.

The company attempted to avoid paying taxes by establishing accounts in foreign jurisdictions.

💡

Often used in legal contexts to describe avoiding responsibility or capture.

informal

To avoid or escape from someone or something, often by cleverness or trickery

She managed to evade her boss by pretending to be on a call.

She successfully avoided her boss by pretending to be on a phone call.

The cat evaded the dog by jumping over the fence.

The cat escaped the dog by leaping over the fence.

💡

Can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Collocations

evade captureto avoid being caughtevade responsibilityto avoid taking blame or accountabilityevade detectionto avoid being noticed or discovered

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

evade the questionphrase
to avoid answering a question directly
evade the lawphrase
to avoid legal consequences

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

The word 'evade' is often used in legal and military contexts to describe avoiding capture or responsibility.

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'evade' in formal contexts, such as legal or military situations. In informal contexts, synonyms like 'dodge' or 'avoid' may be more appropriate.

📖Word Origin

From Middle French 'évader', from Latin 'evadere', meaning 'to go out, escape'.

📝Usage Notes

Often used in formal contexts, especially in legal or military settings. Can be used both literally and figuratively.

Word Breakdown

e-
out
prefix
+
-vade
to go
root
English Dictionary