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

But what looks like momentum can feel like avoidance. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

One of the buoying aspects of Shakman’s film is its avoidance of antagonist overexposure. —Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025

But one school, Dartmouth College, has attracted outsized attention for its refusal to join the resistance and, perhaps not coincidentally, for its avoidance of any direct sanctions by the Trump Administration. —Rob Wolfe, New Yorker, 18 July 2025

It's meant for lawns of up to 0.75 acres and uses dual LiDAR sensors for wire-free yard mapping, navigation, and object avoidance. —PC Magazine, 10 July 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