shirk

Meanings

Verb

• To avoid, especially a duty, responsibility, etc.; to stay away from.
• To evade an obligation; to avoid the performance of duty, as by running away.
• To procure by petty fraud and trickery; to obtain by mean solicitation.

Noun

• One who shirks, who avoids a duty or responsibility.
• The unforgivable sin of idolatry.

Origin

• First attested use in 1625–1635, apparently from association with shark, or otherwise directly from German Schurke ("rogue, knave").
• Borrowed from Arabic شِرْك.