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

Diko said that "the law is clear on compliance" and, crucially added, that "cutting corners and circumvention is not an option - least of all to appease business interests".

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2025

What a pity that this diminution of tail and claws does not signify a corresponding decrease of cruel and stealthy circumvention!

From A Breeze from the Woods, 2nd Ed. by Bartlett, William Chauncey