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

More detailed information about local flood exposure, water availability, heat, infrastructure and adaptation capabilities would allow companies to limit their avoidance to the riskiest areas, instead of bypassing those countries altogether. — Jonas Gamso, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 2026

Developers supply the pickup and dropoff coordinates while Serve’s back end orchestrates obstacle avoidance, routing, and remote teleoperation supervision. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026

Lane Assistance and Driver Monitoring remain important Collision avoidance is only part of the equation. — New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026

Yorkshiremen have no truck with half-truths or avoidance of big issues. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 30 Oct. 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