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

See Examples For:

circumvention

Salary-cap circumvention first surfaced with Leonard during his free agency in 2019 after he led the Raptors to the NBA championship.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026

"The findings suggest that the period immediately after the introduction of the act was characterised by limited implementation, incomplete compliance, and substantial circumvention of social media restrictions."

From Barron's ● Jun. 24, 2026

Millions of Iranians routinely relied on circumvention tools like virtual private networks, or VPNs, to access blocked foreign websites and social-media platforms.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 21, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 12, 2026

Then, they unjustly tax us with fraud, circumvention, and the practice of undue influence; and, indeed, have endeavored to stamp an indelible stain upon your character and honor.

From The Evil Eye; Or, The Black Spector The Works of William Carleton, Volume One by William Carleton