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.

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.

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.