Meaning & Definition of word "Elude"

Elude

/ɪˈluːd/

verb:

  • 1. To evade or escape from danger, perception, or understanding.
    • Example: The thief managed to elude the police after the robbery.
  • 2. To be just out of reach; to avoid being caught or comprehended.
    • Example: The solution to the puzzle continued to elude him despite his best efforts.
  • 3. To fail to be achieved or attained.
    • Example: Victory in the championship match eluded the team for the third consecutive year.

Etymology

From Latin 'eludere', meaning 'to evade or escape from'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

elude capture:

to manage to avoid being caught

elude someone:

to cause someone to fail to understand or remember something

the truth eludes me:

I cannot grasp or understand the truth

Related Words

evasion:

the act of evading something, especially a responsibility.

flee:

to run away from a place or situation of danger.

dodge:

to avoid (someone or something) by a sudden quick movement.

Slang Meanings of elude

Meaning: slip away

Example Sentence: He just slipped away without anyone noticing.

Meaning: give someone the slip

Example Sentence: She gave the guards the slip and escaped.