Avoider Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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avoider

[əˈvɔɪdər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

person

A person who avoids or shies away from something, especially responsibility or confrontation.

Synonyms

dodger, evader, shirker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
avoider	Used to describe someone who tends to keep away from situations or responsibilities. He is an avoider when it comes to dealing with conflicts. As an avoider, she often skips team meetings.
evader	Similar to 'dodger', but often used more formally. It usually has a negative connotation, implying someone who tries to escape or avoid something they are supposed to face. The evader was finally caught after years of avoiding court appearances. She's an expert at conversation evader when confronted with difficult topics.
dodger	Often has a slightly negative connotation and is used for someone who evades duties or tasks, particularly in a sly or deceitful manner. He's known as a tax dodger. The police were looking for draft dodgers during the war.

Word

Description / Examples

avoider

Used to describe someone who tends to keep away from situations or responsibilities.

He is an avoider when it comes to dealing with conflicts.
As an avoider, she often skips team meetings.

evader

Similar to 'dodger', but often used more formally. It usually has a negative connotation, implying someone who tries to escape or avoid something they are supposed to face.

The evader was finally caught after years of avoiding court appearances.
She's an expert at conversation evader when confronted with difficult topics.

dodger

Often has a slightly negative connotation and is used for someone who evades duties or tasks, particularly in a sly or deceitful manner.

He's known as a tax dodger.
The police were looking for draft dodgers during the war.

Examples of usage

She is known as an avoider because she always finds excuses to skip important meetings.
He is such an avoider that he never takes on any challenging tasks.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

psychology

In psychology, a person who adopts a coping strategy of avoiding dealing with difficult or stressful situations.

Synonyms

avoidant, defensive, escapist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
avoider	Describes someone who consistently tries to escape responsibilities by avoiding them. Mark is an avoider at work; he always finds excuses to dodge difficult tasks
avoidant	Often used in psychological or therapeutic contexts to describe someone with a tendency to evade attachments or confrontations. Sarah has an avoidant personality; she struggles to form close relationships due to her fear of intimacy
escapist	Refers to someone who seeks to avoid reality by engaging in activities or fantasies that distract them from real-world stresses. He's an escapist, always burying himself in video games to forget his problems
defensive	Describes a person who is constantly on guard and quick to justify or protect themselves from perceived criticism or attack. Whenever criticized, Ana becomes very defensive and refuses to accept any feedback

Examples of usage

The avoider tends to suppress emotions and avoid discussing sensitive topics.
As an avoider, she often resorts to distractions rather than facing her problems.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

game

In game theory, a player who consistently avoids conflict and opts for strategies that minimize risks.

Synonyms

conflict avoider, risk minimizer, risk-averse player.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
avoider	General term for someone who tends to stay away from difficulties or confrontations. She’s an avoider when it comes to stressful situations He’s always been an avoider, never facing his problems head-on
risk-averse player	Common in finance or strategic games, this term describes someone who prefers low-risk options to minimize potential losses. In poker, being a risk-averse player can sometimes limit your winnings She’s a risk-averse player in the stock market, rarely making aggressive moves
conflict avoider	Specifically refers to someone who avoids conflicts and confrontations, often to keep peace or avoid stress. As a conflict avoider, he tries to mediate rather than argue She doesn’t like to rock the boat; she's a true conflict avoider
risk minimizer	Typically used in a strategic or business context to describe someone who takes steps to lower potential risks. In investments, he's a risk minimizer, choosing safer options As a manager, she’s known for being a risk minimizer, always evaluating potential downsides

Examples of usage

He is a skilled avoider in the game, always choosing paths that lead to less confrontation.
The avoider strategy may work in the short term, but it can be risky in the long run.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Avoidance behavior is often a response to fear or anxiety, where individuals choose to escape stress instead of facing it.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy encourages people to confront avoided situations to reduce fear over time.
The 'avoidance paradox' describes how avoiding something often makes the fear grow stronger.

Pop Culture

Characters in movies and books often showcase avoidance, such as superheroes avoiding their responsibilities until forced to act.
In various TV shows, relatable characters illustrate the funny side of being an avoider, making them popular with audiences.
Songs about running away from problems resonate with listeners, showcasing the common theme of avoidance.

Literature

Famous novels often feature avoider protagonists who struggle with their fears, reflecting real human experiences.
In classic literature, characters who avoid facing their truths often meet tragic ends, illustrating the consequences of avoidance.
Poets frequently write about the consequences of running from emotions, highlighting the internal struggle faced by avoiders.

Behavioral Science

Research shows that individuals with high levels of avoidance may experience increased levels of stress and dissatisfaction.
Avoidance is often linked to different coping strategies people use when dealing with difficult situations.
Studies suggest that teaching problem-solving skills can help reduce avoidance and promote healthier coping mechanisms.

Philosophy

Philosophers have long debated the ethics of avoidance, pondering whether it's better to confront problems or avoid them.
Existentialists often discuss avoidance in the context of facing one's own existence and embracing life’s challenges.
The idea that avoidance can lead to missed opportunities is a common theme in philosophical discussions about life's choices.

Origin of 'avoider'

The word 'avoider' originated from the verb 'avoid,' which comes from the Old French term 'esvuider,' meaning 'empty, void, or leave.' Over time, 'avoid' evolved to mean 'keep away from' or 'prevent from happening.' The noun 'avoider' emerged to describe someone who habitually shuns or evades certain things or situations to stay clear of them. The concept of avoidance is prevalent in various fields like psychology, gaming, and everyday life.