Meaning & Definition of word "Circumvent"

Circumvent

/ˌsɜːrkəmˈvɛnt/

1. To find a way around (an obstacle); to overcome (a problem) in a clever and perhaps dishonest way.
- Example: The company managed to circumvent the regulations by reclassifying their products.
2. To avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (a duty, question, etc.).
- Example: He tried to circumvent the rules by not answering the questions directly.
3. To escape from, or prevent from being discovered.
- Example: She used a false identity to circumvent the scrutiny of the authorities.
4. To go around or bypass something.
- Example: They circumvented the traffic by taking an alternate route through the back roads.

Late Middle English: from Latin circumvent- 'surrounded' (from the verb circumvenire, from circum 'around' + venire 'come').

circumvent the law:

To find a way to avoid obeying the law.

circumvent the system:

To outsmart the established processes or procedures.

circumvent difficulties:

To find ways to overcome challenges.

evade:

To escape from or avoid something.

bypass:

To go around an obstacle.

outwit:

To gain an advantage over someone by being clever.

Meaning: Curve the rules

Example Sentence: He's always looking for ways to curve the rules to save time.

Meaning: Play the system

Example Sentence: She knows how to play the system to get what she wants.