avoidance

avoid·ance

noun, often attrib \ə-ˈvȯid-^ən(t)s\

Definition of AVOIDANCE

: 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>