Circumvent
/ˈsɜːrkəmˌvɛnt/
Definitions
To avoid or go around something, especially in a clever or skillful way.
/ˈsɜːrkəmˌvɛnt/
To go around or avoid (an obstacle)
The hikers circumvented the muddy trail by taking a higher path.
💡 Simply: Think of it like finding a sneaky way around something to avoid it. Like finding a secret path around a closed road!
👶 For kids: To go around something instead of through it.
More Examples
The clever thief circumvented the security system.
How It's Used
"We had to circumvent the traffic jam by taking a detour."
"The company attempted to circumvent the new regulations."
From Latin *circumvenīre, from *circum ‘around’ + *venīre ‘to come’. Originally meant to 'go around' or 'encircle,' its meaning shifted to include deception and avoidance.
Historically, the word's use emphasized the physical act of going around something. Over time, its figurative use to describe avoiding rules or problems became more prevalent.
Memory tip
Imagine going around a 'vent' in a circular motion.
Word Origin
"circum (around) + venire (to come)"