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

That includes traffic collision avoidance systems, ground proximity warning systems, advanced weather radars, along with a multitude of other systems that are constantly being refined, Doyle explained. —Cathy Cassata, Health, 4 Mar. 2025

Tuas port's fleet currently includes more than 200 of these AGVs, which use RFID to communicate with underground transponders and share their location in real-time for precise positioning and collision avoidance. —New Atlas, 2 Mar. 2025

The success of cost avoidance pricing hinges on clear communication of ROI. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

This avoidance is concerning, given how racial attitudes develop. —Sylvia Perry, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2025

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