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

Season 1 ends with Alex confronting his trauma and committing to therapy after years of avoidance. —Essence, 18 Mar. 2026

Last-minute Pentagon opposition recently sabotaged House passage of a bill the Senate passed unanimously to require new collision avoidance technology on both civilian and military aircraft. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026

The top tier of mapping, navigation and obstacle avoidance must be object recognition. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026

One critique that popped up around One Battle had to do with the campaign’s strenuous avoidance of saying anything political. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 16 Mar. 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