eschew

[es-choo]

verb (used with object)

1. to abstain or keep away from; shun; avoid.

   to eschew evil.

   Synonyms: forgo, boycott, circumvent

eschew

/ ɪsˈtʃuː /

verb

1. (tr) to keep clear of or abstain from (something disliked, injurious, etc); shun; avoid

Other Word Forms

• eschewal noun
• eschewer noun
• uneschewed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eschew¹

1300–50; Middle English eschewen < Old French eschiver, eschever < Germanic; compare Old High German sciuhen, German scheuchen, shy ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of eschew¹

C14: from Old French eschiver, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German skiuhan to frighten away; see _shy ¹ , _skew

Example Sentences

They eschewed the opportunity to acquire big-name arms in favor of a collection of pitchers on the fringes of the market with plenty of upside—but even more question marks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Guerrero Jr. eschewing his chance at free agency this upcoming winter and emphatically choosing Canada as his forever team instantly transformed him into a national hero from Newfoundland to the Yukon.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

While mostly eschewing texts in favor of audio and visual storytelling, exhibits are crammed into too small a space.

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McDonald’s reported in August that it’s gaining more middle-class diners as they eschew pricier restaurant options, while lower-income customers are showing up less frequently.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In his East L.A. workshop, he eschews modern technology, focusing instead on traditional methods of shoemaking, often with hand tools.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abandon 
• avoid 
• forgo 
• forswear 
• renounce 
• shun 
• shy away from 
• swear off