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

When curiosity replaces avoidance, workplace innovation becomes the natural outcome. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Zoox combines the state of the art in perception, prediction, planning, and crash avoidance technology. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025

Protecting your own mental state is not avoidance or denial. —Annie Margaret, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025

Protecting your own mental state is not avoidance or denial. —Annie Margaret, The Conversation, 12 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