elude (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ɪˈluːd/

Definition

To escape from or avoid (a danger, enemy, or pursuer), typically in a skillful or cunning way.

Examples

• The suspect managed to elude capture for several weeks.

• The meaning of the poem continued to elude the students.

• Despite their best efforts, the exact cause of the disease remained elusive.

How to Use elude

elude capture (collocation)

To successfully avoid being caught. — "The fugitive managed to elude capture for years."

elude the police (collocation)

To successfully avoid being caught by law enforcement. — "The thieves were skilled at eluding the police."

elude [someone] (prepositional phrase)

To escape from or avoid a specific person. — "He tried to elude his creditors."

elude [something] (prepositional phrase)

To fail to be grasped or understood by something. — "The exact reason for his behavior eluded her."

Synonyms of elude

Words with a similar meaning to elude:

• escape
• evade
• dodge
• shirk

Antonyms of elude

Words with the opposite meaning to elude:

• confront
• capture

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