avoidance

noun

avoid·​ance ə-ˈvȯi-dᵊn(t)s How to pronounce avoidance (audio)
1
obsolete
a
: an action of emptying, vacating, or clearing away
b
: outlet
2
3
: an act or practice of avoiding or withdrawing from something

Examples of avoidance in a Sentence

a writer known for avoidance of sentimentality a complete avoidance of sentimentality
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for avoidance

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of avoidance was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Avoidance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avoidance. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

avoidance

noun
avoid·​ance ə-ˈvȯid-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce avoidance (audio)
: the act or an instance of avoiding something

Medical Definition

avoidance

noun
avoid·​ance ə-ˈvȯid-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce avoidance (audio)
often attributive
: the act or practice of keeping away from or withdrawing from something undesirable
reinforced by escape or avoidance of electric shockE. S. Katkin & E. N. Murray
avoidance learning
especially : an anticipatory response undertaken to avoid a noxious stimulus
conditioned avoidance in mice

More from Merriam-Webster on avoidance

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