Main Entry: es·chew

Pronunciation: \e-ˈshü, i-; es-ˈchü, is-; also e-ˈskyü\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French eschiver (3d present eschiu) of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German sciuhen to frighten off — more at shy

Date: 14th century

: to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds : shun

synonyms see escape

— es·chew·al \-əl\ noun