Definition of elude

The word "elude" has its roots in Old French, where it was spelled "esquider" and meant "to slip away" or "to evade". This Old French word is derived from the Latin phrase "subiudere", which means "to join under" or "to pass under". In Latin, the verb "subiudere" was used to describe the act of slipping or sliding under something or someone, often in a swift and evasive manner. The English word "elude" entered the language in the 14th century, likely as a borrowing from Middle French. Initially, it retained its original meaning of "to slip away" or "to evade", but over time, its connotations expanded to include intentionally avoiding or dodging something, whether it be a person, a task, or an obstacle. Today, "elude" is commonly used to describe the act of cleverly evading or sidestepping something, often without being detected.