draft dodger


noun

a person who evades or attempts to evade compulsory military service.

Origin of draft dodger

First recorded in 1935–40

British Dictionary definitions for draft dodger

draft dodger

noun

US one who evades compulsory military service

Cultural definitions for draft dodger

draft dodger

Someone who illegally evades the draft, as opposed to a conscientious objector, who is granted official, legal exemption from military duty. In active protest against United States involvement in the Vietnam War, many Americans publicly burned draft registration cards, risking imprisonment; others fled to other countries, such as Canada.