sidestep
side|step /s'aɪdstep/ (sidesteps sidestepping sidestepped)
also side-step
1 [VERB] V n, V n
If you sidestep a problem, you avoid discussing it or dealing with it.
Rarely, if ever, does he sidestep a question...
He was trying to sidestep responsibility.
= avoid
2 [VERB] V, V n
If you sidestep, you step sideways in order to avoid something or someone that is coming towards you or going to hit you.
As I sidestepped, the bottle hit me on the left hip...
He made a grab for her but she sidestepped him.
also side-step
1 [VERB] V n, V n
If you sidestep a problem, you avoid discussing it or dealing with it.
Rarely, if ever, does he sidestep a question...
He was trying to sidestep responsibility.
= avoid
2 [VERB] V, V n
If you sidestep, you step sideways in order to avoid something or someone that is coming towards you or going to hit you.
As I sidestepped, the bottle hit me on the left hip...
He made a grab for her but she sidestepped him.