circumvent

Everyday

1. (formal) To find a clever way to avoid a rule, problem or difficulty, often in a way that is not quite fair. tree →
2. (formal) To go around something that is in the way. tree →

In the lessons

In news and adult life it describes getting round rules or controls — «circumventing the law», «circumventing parental controls». In stories it shows a clever, sometimes sneaky character. It tells the reader someone avoided an obstacle instead of facing it. It is a stiff, formal word; everyday English says «get round» or «get around».

Examples

• He tried to circumvent the rules by using his brother's account. tree →
• The engineers circumvented the problem with a new design. tree →
• The army circumvented the mountains by marching along the coast. tree →
• Circumventing school internet filters is against the rules. tree →
• She found a way to circumvent the traffic jam. tree →
• Good laws are hard to circumvent. tree →
• But the watchful Nephele contrived to circumvent her cruel designs, and succeeded in getting the children out of the palace. tree →

Note

Regular verb: circumvented, circumventing. Formal; «get round» is the everyday way to say it. Built from «circum» (around, as in circumference) + «vent» (come). Often suggests something sneaky.