Ducked

To lower one's head or body quickly to avoid being seen or hit. It can also mean to avoid or evade something, such as a responsibility or question. The action often implies a reflexive response to a perceived threat or an active choice to remove oneself from a difficult situation. Figuratively, it suggests dodging an undesirable experience or outcome. The act can be a physical or metaphorical maneuver to protect oneself or sidestep an issue.

Ducked meaning with examples

• The batter ducked as the fastball whizzed past his ear, narrowly avoiding a potentially painful hit. He crouched low, instinct taking over, and the roar of the crowd was a split-second later. The pitcher stared him down. He knew what the implications were, as the batter had ducked twice earlier in the match, and now it was personal.
• During the surprise party, she ducked behind the sofa when the guests arrived to keep her presence a secret and make the ambush even more successful. The element of surprise was going to be key. After all, she had gone to considerable lengths to keep this a secret, but then realised that her face could give away the surprise if she remained in the room.
• He ducked the awkward question about his relationship status, quickly changing the subject to the weather report. The host did not push it. The interview was going well, and if that was all that he had to do to avoid the conversation, then so be it. He didn't like where the conversation was going, so he decided to avoid the problem completely.
• Rather than confront the difficult financial situation, the company ducked the problem, choosing to delay action and hope for a better outcome later. This would not necessarily lead to a good ending. The future may have been unwritten, but to duck the inevitable wasn't a good way to go about things, as the problem was only going to get worse.