Avoidant: meaning, definitions and examples

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avoidant

[əˈvɔɪdənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

psychology

Showing a tendency to avoid or not engage in certain situations, often due to fear or anxiety.

Synonyms

evasive, reserved, shy, withdrawn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
avoidant	Typically used in psychological contexts to describe someone who avoids social interactions or certain situations out of anxiety or fear. His avoidant behavior made it difficult for him to maintain close relationships. She displayed avoidant tendencies during the therapy sessions.
evasive	Used when someone tries to avoid giving a direct answer or clear commitment, often seen as dishonest or suspicious. The politician was evasive when asked about his plans for healthcare reform. Her evasive responses made everyone doubt her sincerity.
shy	Describes someone who feels nervous or uncomfortable in social situations, often hesitant to engage with others. She was too shy to introduce herself to her new classmates. He is shy and blushes easily when talked to.
withdrawn	Describes someone who has pulled back from social interactions, often due to emotional distress or depression. After the loss of his pet, he became withdrawn and barely spoke to anyone. She was feeling withdrawn and stayed in her room most of the time.
reserved	Describes someone who is quiet and does not often share their thoughts or feelings, especially with people they do not know well. He is reserved around new people, preferring to observe rather than speak. Despite being reserved, she is very thoughtful and attentive.

Examples of usage

He has an avoidant personality, preferring to stay away from social gatherings.
Her avoidant behavior towards conflict only made the situation worse.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

relationship

Being unwilling or hesitant to get close to others emotionally, often resulting in difficulties forming or maintaining intimate relationships.

Synonyms

aloof, cold, detached, distant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
avoidant	Typically used to describe someone who actively evades social interactions or emotional confrontations. She had an avoidant attachment style, often pulling back in relationships His avoidant behavior made it hard for others to connect with him
distant	Typically used to describe someone who is not only physically far away but also emotionally unconnected. Since his promotion, he has become distant from his old friends Her distant behavior at the party made it clear she didn't want to be there
aloof	Used when someone is perceived as being emotionally or physically distant, often giving an impression of superiority or disinterest. He remained aloof during the meeting, barely engaging with his colleagues Her aloof attitude made it difficult to get to know her
cold	Refers to someone who lacks warmth and affection, often giving an impression of unfriendliness or harshness. His cold response to her plea for help was shocking She gave him a cold stare, discouraging any further conversation
detached	Describes a person who is emotionally unengaged or indifferent, often seen as being objective but lacking empathy. The doctor remained detached while delivering the bad news, focusing only on the facts He has a detached demeanor, which some people mistake for indifference

Examples of usage

His avoidant attachment style made it hard for him to commit to a long-term relationship.
She tends to be avoidant in relationships, keeping her emotions guarded.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Individuals with an avoidant attachment style often feel uncomfortable with closeness and tend to keep others at a distance.
Avoidance can be a coping mechanism to manage feelings of anxiety by steering clear of stressors.
Children who are raised by parents who are emotionally unavailable may develop avoidant traits as a way to protect themselves.

Etymology

The term 'avoidant' derives from the verb 'avoid', which comes from the Latin 'avoidare', meaning 'to shun' or 'to escape'.
The prefix 'a-' in 'avoidant' suggests 'away from', indicating a movement away from difficult conversations or situations.

Pop Culture

In popular media, characters displaying avoidant behaviors often create conflict, such as avoiding romantic relationships due to fear of intimacy.
Films and books often explore avoidant personalities, showing how they cope with life's challenges in unusual ways, like through humor or isolation.

Social Dynamics

Avoidant behaviors can influence relationships, as those who avoid emotional discussions may struggle to build deep connections.
In group settings, avoidant individuals may drift away during arguments or difficult conversations, leading to misunderstandings.

Technology and Behavior

In the age of social media, avoidant personalities may choose online interactions over face-to-face meetings to dodge potential discomfort.
Virtual environments can sometimes provide a safety net for avoidant individuals, allowing them to engage without physical presence.

Translations

Translations of the word "avoidant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 evitante

🇮🇳 परिहारक

🇩🇪 vermeidend

🇮🇩 menghindar

🇺🇦 уникаючий

🇵🇱 unikający

🇯🇵 回避的 (かいてき)

🇫🇷 évitant

🇪🇸 evasivo

🇹🇷 kaçınan

🇰🇷 회피하는

🇸🇦 متهرب

🇨🇿 vyhýbavý

🇸🇰 vyhýbavý

🇨🇳 回避的 (huíbì de)

🇸🇮 izogibajoč

🇮🇸 forðast

🇰🇿 жалтарман

🇬🇪 მომცილებელი

🇦🇿 qaçan

🇲🇽 evasivo