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Dictionary definition of circumvent

To avoid or get around something, often by using a clever or indirect approach.
"To avoid confrontation, she tried to circumvent the issue rather than address it directly."

Detailed meaning of circumvent

It can also refer to the act of bypassing rules or regulations in order to achieve a desired outcome. Circumventing can be a way of overcoming obstacles or finding loopholes in a system. It can also be used in a negative sense, such as when someone circumvents the law or ethics to gain an unfair advantage. The word "circumvent" implies a strategic or deliberate action, as well as a certain level of skill or ingenuity. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including business, politics, and personal relationships, and is often associated with a desire for personal gain or advantage.

Example sentences of circumvent

1. He tried to circumvent the traffic by taking a shortcut through the backstreets.
2. To achieve their goal, they must circumvent the obstacles in their path.
3. He managed to circumvent the security measures and gain access to the restricted area.
4. The ingenious plan allowed them to circumvent the usual bureaucratic process.
5. She tried to circumvent the traffic jam by taking a detour through a side street.
6. The company needed to circumvent the legal challenges in order to launch the new product.

History and etymology of circumvent

The verb 'circumvent' has its origins in Latin, where it is rooted in the word 'circumvenire.' This Latin term is a combination of 'circum,' meaning 'around,' and 'venire,' meaning 'to come.' In its original form, 'circumvenire' meant to come around or go around something, often implying a clever or indirect maneuver. Over time, the term evolved to take on the modern meaning of avoiding or getting around something, typically through a shrewd or cunning approach. The etymology of 'circumvent' highlights the notion of navigating around obstacles or challenges, suggesting a skillful and strategic way of overcoming them without direct confrontation.

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Further usage examples of circumvent

1. It's essential to circumvent potential conflicts when working in a team.
2. The skilled hacker was able to circumvent the firewall and access sensitive data.
3. To save time, he decided to circumvent the lengthy paperwork and go straight to the supervisor.
4. They had to circumvent the customs regulations to transport the rare artifacts.
5. The clever engineer found a way to circumvent the design flaws in the system.
6. The captain had to circumvent the storm by changing course.
7. To avoid confrontation, she tried to circumvent the issue rather than address it directly.
8. The experienced negotiator knew how to circumvent the usual pitfalls in difficult discussions.
9. In order to win the game, they needed to circumvent their opponent's defenses.
10. The athlete used a strategy to circumvent the defender and score a goal.
11. The spy's mission was to circumvent the enemy's surveillance and deliver the crucial information.
12. To avoid detection, the undercover agent had to circumvent the enemy's security protocols.
13. The company aimed to circumvent the economic downturn by diversifying its products.
14. He had to circumvent the labyrinthine bureaucracy to obtain the necessary permits.
15. The entrepreneur had to circumvent the logistical challenges to deliver products on time.