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Eschew Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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eschew

[ɪsˈtʃuː ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

formal

Deliberately avoid using; abstain from.

Synonyms

abstain from, avoid, refrain from, shun.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
eschew

Used to indicate deliberately avoiding or staying away from something, often for moral or practical reasons.

  • She chose to eschew all forms of social media to focus on her mental health.
  • The organization aims to eschew any actions that may harm the environment.
avoid

A general term for staying away from someone or something for various reasons, such as danger, inconvenience, or discomfort.

  • You should avoid the highway during rush hour; it's always crowded.
  • She avoids confrontation whenever possible.
abstain from

Used when someone consciously decides to not do something, often related to consumption or participation in activities.

  • He decided to abstain from drinking alcohol during the month of January.
  • They have promised to abstain from voting on any controversial legislation.
shun

This word has a negative connotation and is used to describe the act of deliberately avoiding someone or something, often because they are considered undesirable or disgraceful.

  • After his dishonest actions were revealed, he was shunned by the community.
  • They shun any form of modern technology, preferring to live a simple life.
refrain from

Used to describe a conscious decision to not engage in a particular action, often because it is considered inappropriate or unwise at the moment.

  • Please refrain from talking during the performance.
  • He refrained from making any comments until he had all the facts.

Examples of usage

  • He appealed to the crowd to eschew violence.
  • She made a conscious effort to eschew all forms of social media.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Avoidance is a common behavior for coping with anxiety; eschewing certain situations can be a protective mechanism.
  • Studies show that children learn social behaviors significantly through observing adults eschewing certain actions or choices.
  • In cognitive behavioral therapy, individuals may learn to confront rather than eschew fears to reduce their impact.

Literature

  • Authors often use characters who eschew societal norms as a way to highlight themes of independence and rebellion.
  • In classic literature, many protagonists eschew their troubled pasts to seek redemption or purpose.
  • The concept of eschewing hypocrisy is a common motif in political and social commentaries, urging honesty and integrity.

Pop Culture

  • Popular figures in media often encourage fans to eschew negativity and embrace positivity on social platforms.
  • Some lifestyle brands promote eschewing consumerism in favor of minimalism, highlighting more meaningful living.
  • Eschewing traditional career paths has become a theme in many coming-of-age stories, inspiring youth to pursue passions.

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, certain foods or practices are eschewed during significant religious observances, like Lent or Ramadan.
  • The act of eschewing violence in favor of peaceful protest is a significant philosophy in various social movements.
  • In environmental activism, people are often encouraged to eschew single-use plastics to protect the planet.

Origin of 'eschew'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'eschiver,' which means 'to avoid' or 'to shun.'
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'ex-,' meaning 'out of,' and 'cavere,' which means 'to beware.'
  • The usage of this word has been traced back to the early 15th century, emphasizing a longstanding tradition of avoidance.

The word 'eschew' comes from the Middle English word 'eschuen', which in turn comes from the Old French word 'eschiver', meaning 'to avoid'. The use of 'eschew' in English dates back to the 14th century and has been used to convey the idea of deliberately avoiding or abstaining from something.

See also: eschewing.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,763, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.