Shirk

Quick meaning: Shirk is a verb meaning (transitive) To avoid, especially a duty, responsibility, etc.; to stay away from.

Meaning

(transitive) To avoid, especially a duty, responsibility, etc.; to stay away from.

More Meanings

1. (intransitive) To evade an obligation; to avoid the performance of duty, as by running away.
2. (transitive) To procure by petty fraud and trickery; to obtain by mean solicitation.
3. One who shirks, who avoids a duty or responsibility.
4. (Islam) The unforgivable sin of association (claiming something or someone can share in the oneness of God).

Example Sentences

the usual makeshift by which they try to shirk difficulties

If you have a job, don't shirk from it by staying off work.

September 7, 1830, Lord Byron, letter to Mr. Murray One of the cities shirked from the league.

You that never heard the call of any vocation, […] that shirk living from others, but time from yourselves.

Word Forms

• shirks
• shirking
• shirked

Synonyms for shirk

Depending on context, synonyms include shrink, blow off, cop out, dog, doss, duck.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include ware, shun, eschew, avoid, abandon, deprive.

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