circumvention

American  

[sur-kuhm-ven-shuhn] / ˌsɜr kəmˈvɛn ʃən /

noun

1. the act of bypassing or going around something.

   Taking the northern route, to allow circumvention of the mountains, made the journey twice as long.

2. the act of avoiding, evading, or forestalling something, often by cleverness or deception.

   Thorough consultation before implementing an innovation allows for the circumvention of potential risks.

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Etymology

Origin of circumvention

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin circumventiōn-, stem of circumventiō “a coming around, surrounding; oppression,” equivalent to circumvent ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Millions of Iranians routinely relied on circumvention tools like virtual private networks, or VPNs, to access blocked foreign websites and social-media platforms.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Iran is generally a very tech-savvy country, and many people constantly have multiple circumvention apps on their phones.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

Many are using some form of “filter shekan” — an Iranian term for virtual private networks, circumvention apps and other tools that can bypass internet filters and access websites blocked by the government.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

Fortunately, the U.S. doesn’t need new legislation to halt such circumvention.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

He had a vigorous ally in my mother, who brought her own bright wits to bear on the circumvention of the enemy.

From Sigurd Our Golden Collie and Other Comrades of the Road by Bates, Katharine Lee