rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryduckQuick lowering movement
verb / noun

duck

To lower the head or body quickly to evade something.

She ducks as a low branch sweeps toward her head.

Etymology
duckMiddle Englishto dive

The older verb meant to dive or plunge. Lowering the head or body to avoid a blow preserves that picture of a quick downward movement.

More examples

  • I ducked my head to avoid the low doorway.
  • A quick duck keeps him from getting hit.
  • The mayor ducks questions about the missing money.

Forms

duck · ducks · ducked · ducking

Similar words

dodge
Means moving out of danger, not necessarily by lowering yourself.
crouch
Means bending low, often remaining there rather than moving quickly.
stoop
Means bending forward and downward, without necessarily avoiding anything.