Avoidance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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avoidance
[əˈvɔɪdəns ]
Definitions
in psychology
The act of avoiding or keeping away from a particular person, place, or situation, especially because it makes you feel uncomfortable or anxious.
Synonyms
evasion, shunning, steering clear of.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| avoidance |
Use in a general sense when someone is trying not to be involved in something unpleasant or unwanted.
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| evasion |
Often used in a legal or formal context when someone is deliberately avoiding something, especially rules, laws, or questions.
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| shunning |
Used in social contexts, often when someone is deliberately ignoring or staying away from someone as a means of ostracization.
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| steering clear of |
Informal phrase used when someone is cautiously avoiding a person, situation, or thing.
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Examples of usage
- Her avoidance of social situations is a clear sign of her social anxiety disorder.
- His avoidance of conflict only made the situation worse.
in law
The action of evading or escaping from a legal obligation or duty.
Synonyms
circumvention, dodging, noncompliance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| avoidance |
Use this term in formal settings or when discussing the act of steering clear of certain responsibilities, situations, or problems.
|
| circumvention |
Appropriate for formal or technical discussions about finding ways around rules or obstacles, often through clever means.
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| dodging |
This term is more informal and implies quick or sneaky movement to avoid something. It can have a playful or negative nuance depending on the context.
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| noncompliance |
Usually used in formal or professional settings to discuss the failure to adhere to rules, standards, or expectations. It often carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Tax avoidance is legal, while tax evasion is illegal.
- The company engaged in deliberate avoidance of environmental regulations.
general usage
The act of keeping away or staying clear of something.
Synonyms
abstention, avoiding, refrainment.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| avoidance |
This word is typically used in both everyday and formal situations when someone is deliberately staying away from something or someone.
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| refrainment |
This word is rarely used in everyday speech and may be considered formal or archaic. It's typically used in writings to indicate a deliberate act of holding back.
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| abstention |
This term is more formal and is often used in the context of voting or official decisions, where someone decides not to participate.
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| avoiding |
This is the gerund form of 'avoid' and is commonly used to describe the act of staying away from something in current activities.
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Examples of usage
- Her avoidance of junk food contributes to her healthy lifestyle.
- The avoidance of conflict in the workplace led to a harmonious environment.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Avoidance is often a natural response to fear or anxiety, helping people feel safer but sometimes leading to stress.
- In therapy, users may learn to confront what's being avoided to reduce feelings of fear over time.
- Some behavioral patterns show that avoidance can sometimes create bigger problems than facing fears directly.
Education
- Students may exhibit avoidance by procrastinating on assignments or avoiding subjects they find challenging.
- Teaching techniques often include mindfulness practices to help students face their fears rather than avoid them.
- Research shows that avoidance can impact learning negatively, making it essential to encourage engagement.
Health
- Avoidance behaviors can include skipping doctor appointments, which may lead to undiagnosed health issues.
- Training in mindfulness and exposure therapy can help people overcome harmful avoidance methods related to anxiety disorders.
- Lifestyle changes that promote facing rather than avoiding fears can lead to better mental health outcomes.
Literature
- Many characters in stories illustrate avoidance as a central theme, often facing challenges that reveal their fears over time.
- Classic literature uses characters avoiding issues to highlight their flaws and create suspense in the narrative.
- In poetry, avoidance can symbolize emotional struggles, with imagery reflecting the desire to escape uncomfortable truths.
Origin of 'avoidance'
The word 'avoidance' originated from the Old French word 'avoider', meaning 'to clear out', 'to make empty'. The concept of avoidance has been present in human behavior for centuries, as individuals have sought to steer clear of danger, discomfort, or unwanted situations. In psychology, avoidance is often associated with anxiety disorders, while in law, it refers to the act of evading legal responsibilities. The term has evolved over time to encompass a range of contexts where individuals choose to keep away or refrain from certain actions.
See also: avoidable, avoidant, avoider, avoiding, unavoidability, unavoidable, unavoidably.