tergiversate

1. (intransitive) To evade, to equivocate using subterfuge; to obfuscate in a deliberate manner.Examples: "The officials soon concluded that the easiest way to remain on good terms with the court was to elude responsibility, to tergiversate, to prevent results."Synonyms: prevaricate, beat around the bushintransitive

2. (intransitive) To change sides or affiliation; to apostatize.Examples: "Henry had hesitated before authorising the spoliation; he would soon tergiversate on other matters of doctrine but this act was irreversible."Synonyms: desertintransitive

3. (intransitive, rare) To flee by turning one's back.intransitiverare