evasion

noun

eva·​sion i-ˈvā-zhən 

ē-

1

: a means of evading : dodge

2

: the act or an instance of evading : escape

suspected of tax evasion

Synonyms

• avoidance
• cop-out
• dodging
• ducking
• eluding
• elusion
• escape
• eschewal
• eschewing
• out
• shaking
• shunning

Examples of evasion in a Sentence

He was arrested for tax evasion.

They came up with an evasion of the law to keep all the land for themselves.

His reply was nothing but careful evasions.

Recent Examples on the Web

The indictment lists nine different counts related to tax evasion, carrying a maximum penalty of 17 years in prison. —Anna Gordon, TIME, 6 June 2024

In September, the prodigal son will be in a Los Angeles federal court on tax evasion charges — which are more serious and, believe it or not, more salacious. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2024

That measure passed in the spring of 2017, but prosecutors allege Acevedo, who later pleaded guilty to tax evasion, performed no actual work for AT&T. —Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2024

The meeting shifted to evasions and personal insults that were decidedly more catty than parliamentary. —Armond White, National Review, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French, from Late Latin evasion-, evasio, from Latin evadere to evade

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

evasion

noun

eva·​sion i-ˈvā-zhən 

1

: a means of evading

2

: the act or an instance of evading : escape

tax evasion

Legal Definition

evasion

noun

eva·​sion i-ˈvā-zhən 

1

: a means of evading

2

: the act or an instance of evading see also tax evasion