evasion
UK: ɪˈveɪʒ(ə)n | US: ɪˈveɪʒən
n. the act of avoiding something, especially through cleverness or deceit
n. a means of escaping or avoiding a situation, often by trickery
The word "evasion" originates from Latin evasio, derived from evadere ("to escape"), which combines e- (meaning "out") and vadere (meaning "to go"). The root vas (from vadere) reflects movement, while -ion turns the verb into a noun. Over time, "evasion" evolved to describe not just physical escape but also metaphorical avoidance, often with a connotation of cunning or deceit.
His evasion of the question made the interviewer suspicious.
Tax evasion is a serious crime in many countries.
The suspect’s evasion tactics delayed his arrest.
She mastered the art of evasion in difficult conversations.
The politician’s evasion of responsibility angered the public.