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

Other auto digital features include auto fit-to-screen and automatic obstacle avoidance. —PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2025

The film benefits from its avoidance of a too-tidy, sentimental outcome, even if some in the audience might be left craving one. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025

However, lofty goals often lead to significant hesitation or avoidance. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 3 Oct. 2025

Student newspapers represent an intentional and active mode of media literacy among the college-age demographic; this is the exact opposite of news avoidance. —Joshua Finnell, JSTOR Daily, 1 Oct. 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