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

• cop-out
• dodging
• ducking
• eluding
• elusion
• escape
• eschewal
• eschewing
• evasion
• out
• shaking
• shunning

Examples of avoidance in a Sentence

a writer known for avoidance of sentimentality

a complete avoidance of sentimentality

Recent Examples on the Web

Setup ease is on the menu too, thanks to autofocus and auto keystone correction, as well as resize for obstacle avoidance. —New Atlas, 5 June 2025

And the company’s thoughtful approach to Gen Alpha consumers — focusing on education and age-appropriate products rather than avoidance — is a measured response to this demographic reality. —Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 2 June 2025

Recalling a trauma, but backing off before becoming too emotional, could be seen by some exposure experts as avoidance, Hembree said—the very thing that keeps people with PTSD stuck in the past. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025

Plaintiffs also can seek punitive damages if malice, fraud, knowledge or willful avoidance can be proven. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 May 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