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

• 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

Taxing the value of the land instead of what sits on it encourages development, and land cannot be moved offshore for tax avoidance. —Renaud Foucart, Time, 28 Sep. 2025

Amazon avoidance is Literary Citizenship 101. —Maris Kreizman september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025

Emotionally wise parents don't let avoidance run the show. —Juli Fraga, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025

Quebec’s hydropower and many mining regions’ access to renewables make the approach compelling; so does the avoidance of freight and disposal. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025

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