elude 
/iˈlu:d/ verb
eludes; elud·ed; elud·ing /iˈlu:d/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to avoid or escape (someone or something) by being quick, skillful, or clever
▪ The killer was able to elude the police. ▪ The killer has eluded capture. ▪ (American football) The running back eluded five tacklers. 2 a : to fail to be understood or remembered by (someone)
▪ The cause of the disease continues to elude researchers. ▪ The name of the author eludes me for the moment. [=I don't remember the name of the author]
b : to fail to be achieved by (someone)
▪ Victory has eluded us. [=we have been unable to achieve victory]
c ◊When something eludes detection/discovery, people try to find it but are unable to.
▪ The cause of the disease has eluded detection/discovery.
▪ The killer was able to elude the police. ▪ The killer has eluded capture. ▪ (American football) The running back eluded five tacklers.
▪ The cause of the disease continues to elude researchers. ▪ The name of the author eludes me for the moment. [=I don't remember the name of the author]
b : to fail to be achieved by (someone)
▪ Victory has eluded us. [=we have been unable to achieve victory]
c ◊When something eludes detection/discovery, people try to find it but are unable to.
▪ The cause of the disease has eluded detection/discovery.
Do not confuse elude with allude.
