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

However, more expensive models are generally equipped with advanced features like smart mapping and obstacle avoidance. —Camryn Rabideau, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump practiced the politics of avoidance Tuesday in Pennsylvania. —David Jackson, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

However, tax experts such as Niels Johannesen, director at the Oxford University Centre for Business Taxation, disagree that the index is an accurate measure for tax avoidance. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024

Such sentiments are hard to capture in polls but Harris’s enduring avoidance, or, perhaps, lack of imagination, may have dampened much of the enthusiasm about her campaign among many liberal voters. —Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 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