Avoidance

Avoidance is the act of keeping away from something or someone, or the practice of preventing oneself from doing something. It's often a response to potential harm, discomfort, or unpleasantness. This behavior can manifest in various ways, from physical withdrawal to mental and emotional distancing. The underlying motivation can be fear, aversion, lack of interest, or a desire to maintain a certain status quo. avoidance can be adaptive in some circumstances (e.g., avoiding a burning building) but maladaptive when it prevents healthy engagement and growth.

Avoidance meaning with examples

• John's avoidance of his dentist appointment stemmed from his severe fear of needles, a common phobia. He knew he needed the checkup but consistently put it off. His constant delay, fuelled by anxiety, led to increasing dental problems. Eventually he found that his fear had actually made things worse; it was now a vicious cycle of apprehension.
• The company's avoidance of conflict during the project's early phase, while appearing cooperative, ultimately led to major problems later. Their failure to voice concerns about the timeline caused them a headache, ultimately leading to the project's collapse; it showed the true nature of appeasement versus healthy discussion.
• Her avoidance of social gatherings stemmed from a past experience of being overwhelmed by crowds. She preferred the solitude and safety of her home. While understandable, it limited her opportunities to meet new people and develop her network, which, in turn, stunted her growth and happiness in the long run.
• The politician's avoidance of tough questions during the press conference was a clear sign that he had something to hide. He skirted around the issue and dodged direct answers. This evasiveness did not improve public trust. It made his answers seem contrived, thus damaging the integrity of his public image and campaign.
• Due to the constant trauma, their avoidance of discussing their childhood experiences was understandable. They shut down emotionally when the topic arose. Though it was a mechanism for self-preservation, not processing that trauma prevented healing. They kept carrying those traumatic memories around with them forever.