Circumvent

To skillfully avoid a difficulty, obstacle, or rule, typically through cleverness or indirect methods; to go around something rather than directly confront it. This can involve finding a loophole, using deception, or employing a strategy that renders the obstacle irrelevant. It implies ingenuity and sometimes a lack of adherence to conventional methods. The goal is often to achieve a desired outcome without following the prescribed or expected path. Circumvention doesn't necessarily mean dishonesty, but it frequently requires strategic thinking and a willingness to deviate from the norm. It suggests a calculated approach aimed at bypassing a constraint or achieving a specific objective.

Circumvent meaning with examples

• The company attempted to circumvent import restrictions by establishing a subsidiary in a neighboring country with more lenient trade regulations. This allowed them to bring their products into the market more efficiently and cost-effectively, despite the original barriers.
• Realizing the traffic jam was unavoidable, the driver decided to circumvent the usual route by taking a series of backroads. The choice, while longer, allowed the driver to arrive at the destination with less of a delay compared to staying on the main road.
• The hacker sought to circumvent the security protocols of the website to access sensitive user data. This illegal action enabled access to information without going through authorized channels and exploiting vulnerabilities in the system.
• To secure funding for the project, the researchers worked to circumvent the usual lengthy application process by presenting a proposal to individual donors first. This strategy minimized delays and allowed them to begin work more quickly.