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

Now a quarter century into a career largely characterized by mystique and a seeming avoidance of the public eye, Atobe has spent the better part of the 2020s slowly opening up, with some bemusement. —Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026

The models listed by the IIHS all include accident avoidance and mitigation features that can keep drivers and occupants safe. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026

Strong federal enforcement through audits and information reporting would likely limit tax evasion and avoidance by the richest households, the economists concluded. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026

On Tuesday evening, United Airlines Flight 589 from San Francisco was preparing to land at the Orange County airport when a collision avoidance alarm sounded in the cockpit. —Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 26 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