sidestep (n.)

also side-step, 1757, "a stepping to the side" (originally in military drill), from side (adj.) + step (n.). The verb is recorded from 1895; the figurative sense is attested from 1900.

Entries linking to sidestep

side (adj.)

late 14c., from side (n.).

step (n.)

Old English steppa (Mercian), stæpe, stepe (West Saxon) "stair, act of stepping," from the source of step (v.). Compare Old Frisian, Middle Dutch, Dutch stap, Old High German stapfo, German Stapfe "footstep"). From late Old English as "degree on a scale." Figurative meaning "action which leads toward a result" is recorded from 1540s. In dancing, from 1670s. Meaning "type of military pace" is from 1798. Warning phrase watch your step is attested from 1911 (Wyclif (late 14c.) has keep thy foot in essentially the same sense). Step by step indicating steady progression is from 1580s. To follow in (someone's) steps is from mid-13c.

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Definitions of sidestep

sidestep (v.)

avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues);

Synonyms: hedge / fudge / evade / put off / circumvent / parry / elude / skirt / dodge / duck

sidestep (n.)

a step to one side (as in boxing or dancing);

From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near sidestep

sideman

sidenote

sidereal

side-saddle

sideshow

sidestep

side-swipe

side-table

sidetrack

sidewalk

side-way