circumvent

American  

[sur-kuhm-vent, sur-kuhm-vent] / ˌsɜr kəmˈvɛnt, ˈsɜr kəmˌvɛnt /

verb (used with object)

1. to go around or bypass.

   to circumvent the lake;

   to circumvent the real issues.

2. to avoid (defeat, failure, unpleasantness, etc.) by artfulness or deception; avoid by anticipating or outwitting.

   He circumvented capture by anticipating their movements.

   Synonyms:

   outwit, evade, elude, escape

3. to surround or encompass, as by stratagem; entrap.

   to circumvent a body of enemy troops.

   Synonyms:

   ensnare, encircle

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circumvent British  

/ ˌsɜːkəmˈvɛnt /

verb

1. to evade or go around

2. to outwit

3. to encircle (an enemy) so as to intercept or capture

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Other Word Forms

• circumventer noun
• circumvention noun
• circumventive adjective
• circumventor noun
• uncircumvented adjective

Etymology

Origin of circumvent

First recorded in 1545–55; from Latin circumventus (past participle of circumvenīre “to come around, surround, oppress, defraud”), equivalent to circum- circum- + ven(īre) “to come” + -tus past participle suffix

Explanation

To circumvent is to avoid. Someone who trains elephants but somehow gets out of picking up after them has found a way to circumvent the cleaning of the circus tent. Circum in Latin means "around" or "round about," and vent- comes from venire, "to come," but painting a picture from these two parts of the word helps. Picture someone circling around a barrier instead of climbing over it. That's what you do when you circumvent. You find a smart way around rules or barriers, or avoid doing something unpleasant altogether.

Example Sentences

Experts say they are being used to circumvent sanctions placed on Iran's Revolutionary Guards as well as a financial safe haven by civilians hit by soaring inflation.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

The results followed a campaign during which videos purporting to show figures close to the Freedom party were caught discussing ways to circumvent lobbying rules or misuse public funds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

"The conduct by these individuals alleged in the indictment is a contravention of the company's policies and compliance controls, including efforts to circumvent applicable export control laws and regulations," the firm said.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

“The conduct by these individuals alleged in the indictment is a contravention of the company’s policies and compliance controls, including efforts to circumvent applicable export-control laws and regulations,” Super Micro said in a statement.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

My father did, in any case, rapidly discover a way to circumvent the limitations on his effectiveness implied by the stricture that he should carry no laden trays.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Related Words

• avoid
• bypass
• deceive
• evade
• prevent
• sidestep
• skirt
• stymie
• thwart