Translate text 
Translate files Circumvent
/ˌsɜːrkəmˈvɛnt/
Meaning & Definition
verb
To find a way around (an obstacle); to overcome (a problem) in a clever and perhaps dishonest way.
The company managed to circumvent the regulations by reclassifying their products.
To avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (a duty, question, etc.).
He tried to circumvent the rules by not answering the questions directly.
To escape from, or prevent from being discovered.
She used a false identity to circumvent the scrutiny of the authorities.
To go around or bypass something.
They circumvented the traffic by taking an alternate route through the back roads.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from Latin circumvent- 'surrounded' (from the verb circumvenire, from circum 'around' + venire 'come').
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
Curve the rules
He's always looking for ways to curve the rules to save time.
Play the system
She knows how to play the system to get what she wants.