circumvent
[sur-kuhm-vent, sur-kuhm-vent]
verb (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.
Origin of circumvent
1545–55; < Latin circumventus (past participle of circumvenīre to come around, surround, oppress, defraud), equivalent to circum- circum- + ven(īre) to come + -tus past participle suffix
Synonyms for circumvent
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for circumvented
prevent, thwart, deceive, stymie, avoid, sidestep, evade, bypass, skirt, cramp, stump, ensnare, elude, beguile, queer, outflank, outwit, circumnavigate, disappoint, crimpExamples from the Web for circumvented
Historical Examples of circumvented
These notaries now advise as to the best way the law may be circumvented.
To be circumvented by cunning must ever be the fate, but never the disgrace, of the artless.'
A Description of Millenium HallSarah Scott
Ben here told me how she circumvented him at the Astor House over in York.
Ben's NuggetHoratio, Jr. Alger
Guards and patrols could be evaded, or circumvented, but the hounds could not.
Andersonville, Volume 2John McElroy
Peter had circumvented him by marrying Lucy; the time had arrived for him to overcome Peter.
Barbara LynnEmily J. Jenkinson
circumvent
verb (tr)
Word Origin for circumvent
C15: from Latin circumvenīre, from circum- + venīre to come
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
circumvent
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper