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

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

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

From MarketWatch • Feb. 12, 2026

Censorship circumvention helps people in restrictive countries access the open internet.

From Salon • Feb. 11, 2026

The company said at the time it had "strengthened its keyword blacklist to further prevent attempted circumvention of product listing restrictions by sellers".

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

But he found no such name or event in the obituaries; and he was only the more amused by his friend Belch's futile efforts at circumvention and control.

From Trumps by Curtis, George William