What does dodging mean?
Dodging is the act of evading something, whether physically or figuratively. In its literal sense, it describes the swift movement aside that lets a person avoid an incoming object, blow, or collision — the kind of agility seen in boxing, ball games, and busy streets. Figuratively, dodging extends to the avoidance of duties, obligations, questions, or issues, often with a hint of craftiness: a politician dodging a hard question or someone dodging their taxes is seen as shirking rather than facing things squarely. Because of this, the word frequently carries a mildly disapproving tone in contexts such as tax dodging or draft dodging, while remaining neutral in sports and physical contexts. Derived forms include the verb dodge, the noun dodger (a person who dodges), and the adjective dodgy, meaning unreliable or risky, chiefly in British English.
The action of evading something by moving quickly aside or by avoiding it, especially a duty or question.
"Constant dodging of his responsibilities eventually caught up with him."
Frequently used attributively in compounds like tax dodging.
Present participle and gerund of dodge: to evade by moving quickly aside, or to avoid a duty or question through evasion.
"He was dodging traffic on his way across the city."
American Civil War draft dodging was so widespread that the phrase 'draft dodger' entered everyday English and still carries political weight today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dodging
Dodging derives from the verb dodge, which first appeared in English in the mid-16th century. Its ultimate origin is uncertain — it may be related to dialectal words of obscure origin, though some scholars have suggested a link to Old English or Low German sources without firm evidence. The gerund form dodging follows standard English patterns of verb-to-noun conversion. Related derivatives such as dodger (one who dodges) and dodgy (unreliable, risky) developed later from the same root.
Related word forms
How dodging is actually used
Often carries a slightly negative connotation when used figuratively, implying evasion or shirking of responsibility (as in 'tax dodging' or 'dodging the issue'). The literal sense of physically sidestepping is neutral and common in sports commentary. Informal to neutral register.
Easily confused with dodging
Lodging means temporary accommodation, while dodging refers to evading or avoiding something.