avoidance

noun

avoid·​ance ə-ˈvȯi-dᵊn(t)s 

1

obsolete

a

: an action of emptying, vacating, or clearing away

b

: outlet

2

: annulment sense 1

3

: an act or practice of avoiding or withdrawing from something

Synonyms

• cop-out
• dodging
• ducking
• eluding
• elusion
• escape
• eschewal
• eschewing
• evasion
• out
• shaking
• shunning

Examples of avoidance in a Sentence

a writer known for avoidance of sentimentality

a complete avoidance of sentimentality

Recent Examples on the Web

These treatment options can be medical, such as medications or procedures, or non-medical, such as devices, lifestyle changes, trigger avoidance, behavioral therapy, or physical therapy. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 12 June 2024

Right now the best advice for tsunami avoidance on a ship is to either run the ship aground and hope for the best, or head for deeper ocean and hope for the best. —Bradley Brownell / Jalopnik, Quartz, 11 June 2024

These moves have made corporate tax avoidance more visible because Ireland is the only center of tax avoidance that follows Europe’s rigorous standards for the disclosure of economic and balance-of-payments data. —Brad Setser, Foreign Affairs, 4 June 2024

Additionally, the Free Press asked whether the vehicle's driver-assist technology would include pedestrian detection or avoidance, something that was not referenced in materials provided ahead of the unveiling. —Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 31 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

avoidance

noun

avoid·​ance ə-ˈvȯid-ᵊn(t)s 

: the act or an instance of avoiding something

Medical Definition

avoidance

noun

avoid·​ance ə-ˈvȯid-ᵊn(t)s 

often attributive

: the act or practice of keeping away from or withdrawing from something undesirable

reinforced by escape or avoidance of electric shock

—E. S. Katkin & E. N. Murray

avoidance learning

especially : an anticipatory response undertaken to avoid a noxious stimulus

conditioned avoidance in mice