Meaning & Definition of word "Avoidance"

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    Avoidance

    /əˈvɔɪdəns/

    noun:

    • 1. the act of avoiding something or someone; the practice of keeping away from something.
      • Example: His avoidance of social situations made it difficult for him to make friends.
    • 2. the action of preventing something from happening.
      • Example: The avoidance of risks is essential for the success of the project.
    • 3. the act of evading or escaping.
      • Example: Her avoidance of responsibility ultimately led to her dismissal.

    Etymology

    Derived from the Middle English 'avoyden', from Old French 'evuider', which means to empty out.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    avoidance tactic:

    A strategy used to evade confrontation or issues.

    avoidance behavior:

    Actions taken to avoid facing a situation or feeling.

    avoidance strategy:

    A plan or approach designed to prevent engagement with a problem.

    Related Words

    evade:

    To escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or trickery.

    shun:

    To deliberately avoid someone or something.

    dodge:

    To evade or avoid, especially by a quick or clever movement.

    Slang Meanings of avoidance

    Meaning: ghosting

    Example Sentence: She started ghosting her friends as a form of avoidance.

    Meaning: ice out

    Example Sentence: He decided to ice out the people that reminded him of his failures.