verb

circumvent

suh-kuhm-VEHNT

verb

To find a way around an obstacle, rule, or difficulty rather than dealing with it directly.

"The company circumvented the import tax by manufacturing locally."

"Hackers found a way to circumvent the security software."

How to Use Circumvent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo get around a rule, restriction, or problem cleverly, often implying some cunning.

Common pairings

circumvent the rules circumvent a restriction circumvent security

circumvented past tense, circumvents singular

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The company _____ the import tax by manufacturing locally.

From Latin circumvenire, "to come around" — circum ("around") plus venire ("to come").