eschew

[es-choo]

verb (used with object)

1. to abstain or keep away from; shun; avoid.

   to eschew evil.

   Synonyms: forgo, boycott, circumvent

eschew

/ ɪsˈtʃuː /

verb

1. (tr) to keep clear of or abstain from (something disliked, injurious, etc); shun; avoid

Other Word Forms

• eschewal noun
• eschewer noun
• uneschewed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eschew¹

1300–50; Middle English eschewen < Old French eschiver, eschever < Germanic; compare Old High German sciuhen, German scheuchen, shy ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of eschew¹

C14: from Old French eschiver, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German skiuhan to frighten away; see _shy ¹ , _skew

Example Sentences

It’s a potential hurdle that can make getting the vaccine more difficult and, some health experts worry, prompt even more Americans to eschew getting vaccinated.

From Los Angeles Times

Madonna's Ray Of Light, written after the birth of her daughter Lourdes, eschewed her brash 1980s persona for a more spiritual, psychedelic sound.

From BBC

Executives say they’re eschewing low-cost movies made only for the Paramount+ streaming service, underscoring the studio’s focus on its theatrical business.

From Los Angeles Times

He eschewed a memoir because he had a “happy and culturally rich, privileged childhood, so it wasn’t terribly interesting.”

From Los Angeles Times

But it also underscores the tricky relationship between exhibitors and Netflix, which has famously eschewed traditional theatrical film releases.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abandon 
• avoid 
• forgo 
• forswear 
• renounce 
• shun 
• shy away from 
• swear off