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

Prior to the Russia-Ukraine War, the P5 nations issued a statement in January 2022, saying the avoidance of war between nuclear-armed states is their foremost responsibility. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

But there is no evidence the mutation is linked to the consumption of raw milk or the avoidance of vaccines. —Nate Trela, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Dec. 2024

And despite your creative avoidance strategies, travel companies – particularly airlines – seem more addicted to fees than ever. —Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024

On Thanksgiving Day, 1965, a simple chore led to Guthrie's arrest, his eventual avoidance of military service during the Vietnam War and a song that has endured as a protest classic and holiday favorite. —CBS News, 22 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