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 of avoidance

• escape
• evasion
• dodging

Examples of avoidance in a Sentence

a writer known for avoidance of sentimentality

a complete avoidance of sentimentality

Recent Examples on the Web

What that survey obscures, however, is the cost of avoidance. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

Manica says that some 15,000 years ago, people's avoidance of the regions with the disease began to break down. —Ari Daniel, NPR, 23 Apr. 2026

These activities promote focus and presence while reducing anxiety, replacing avoidance with genuine task engagement. —Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026

The idea is that task engagement, rather than avoidance, builds a sense of purpose and calm — qualities that define the nonna lifestyle. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026

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