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

The vehicle must also earn a good or acceptable rating in the collision avoidance areas, like pedestrian front-crash prevention technology test for daytime and nighttime driving as well as its headlights on all trim levels. —Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025

As far as speed, elephants moving at a slow speed show an even stronger avoidance of the difficult, more energetically-costly terrain. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2025

On the other hand, researchers also found that stable, dependable support reduces attachment avoidance. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

But generally speaking, people who are consistently positive may be more prone to emotional avoidance, a coping strategy that involves pushing away or minimizing internal stress, Natalie Dattilo-Ryan, PhD, a clinical psychologist and instructor at Harvard Medical School, told Health. —Cathy Cassata, Health, 14 Mar. 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