circumvent
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to go around or bypass.
to circumvent the lake;
to circumvent the real issues.
-
to avoid (defeat, failure, unpleasantness, etc.) by artfulness or deception; avoid by anticipating or outwitting.
He circumvented capture by anticipating their movements.
-
to surround or encompass, as by stratagem; entrap.
to circumvent a body of enemy troops.
verb
-
to evade or go around
-
to outwit
-
to encircle (an enemy) so as to intercept or capture
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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 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
Helen Long, chief executive of Dying with Dignity Canada, called the legislation a "direct attempt to circumvent the constitutional criminal law authority" and said it limits patient autonomy.
From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026
Acrimony from the war could also make it harder for Iran to circumvent sanctions through front companies in Dubai’s free-trade zones, shutting off a substantial dollar flow that benefited both sides.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
