Avoided: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old French 'esvuidier', which means 'to empty out' or 'to leave empty'.
• Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'avoidare', meaning 'to give up' or 'to keep away from'.
• Over time, the meaning evolved to reflect the action of intentionally staying away from something.

Psychology

• Avoidance can be a coping mechanism, where people stay away from situations that cause anxiety.
• Studies show that avoidance behavior can reinforce fears, making the things we avoid seem even scarier over time.
• In therapy, addressing avoidance is often key to overcoming phobias and anxieties.

Pop Culture

• In movies, characters often avoid situations that lead to conflict, highlighting their fear or desire for peace.
• The concept of 'ghosting' in dating culture is a modern form of avoidance, where one party suddenly stops communication.
• Avoidance themes are common in literature, representing the inner struggles of characters faced with difficult choices.

Education

• In learning environments, students may avoid challenging subjects, which can lead to gaps in knowledge.
• Teachers encourage engagement to combat avoidance, creating supportive atmospheres where questions are welcomed.
• Skill-building activities often help students confront and overcome their tendency to avoid difficult tasks.

Ranking #3,523, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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