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

Meanwhile, state regulators are targeting VPNs - virtual private networks used to circumvent restrictions.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Although the law sets forth detailed procedures that must be followed before withdrawing Medicaid or Medicare funds, Kasubhai noted, Kennedy’s declaration aimed to circumvent all that: “Immediate compliance was demanded.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

But teenagers are resourceful, Clark said, and can often circumvent those safeguards.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

“Should you wish to challenge that finding, the courts provide an avenue for you; it is not appropriate for you to try to circumvent it,” Hur wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

I find most interesting the conspiracy of life in the desert to circumvent the death rays of the all-conquering sun.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

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