Weasel

/ˈwiː.zəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small, slender-bodied carnivorous mammal of the genus Mustela, known for its playful and agile nature.

The weasel darted through the grass in search of prey.

A deceitful or treacherous person.

He was regarded as a weasel for his underhanded tactics in business.

verb

To evade or avoid responsibility or duty through deceitful or indirect means.

She managed to weasel out of the meeting by claiming illness.

The word 'weasel' comes from Old English 'wēaswēl', related to various Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots.

weasel words

Ambiguous or misleading language meant to evade responsibility.

weasel out

To avoid a commitment or responsibility in a sneaky manner.

ferret

A domesticated form of the European polecat, often used for hunting.

stoat

A small carnivorous mammal related to the weasel, known for its brown fur, which turns white in winter.

A person who is sly and untrustworthy.

That guy is such a weasel; you can't count on him for anything.

To escape a situation through deceitful means.

He weaseled his way out of the job by lying about his qualifications.