verb
Uncommon
circumvent
suh-kuhm-VEHNT
Circumvent (verb) means to find a way around an obstacle, rule, or difficulty rather than dealing with it directly. Example: “The company circumvented the import tax by manufacturing locally.”
verb
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishTo get around a rule, restriction, or problem cleverly, often implying some cunning.
Common pairings
circumvent the rules
circumvent a restriction
circumvent security
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- circumvents
- Past tense
- circumvented
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company _____ the import tax by manufacturing locally.
Etymology
From Latin circumvenire, "to come around" — circum ("around") plus venire ("to come").
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “circumvent” mean?
The word “circumvent” means to find a way around an obstacle, rule, or difficulty rather than dealing with it directly. In plain terms, to get around a rule, restriction, or problem cleverly, often implying some cunning.
How do you pronounce “circumvent”?
“Circumvent” is pronounced suh-kuhm-VEHNT (/səːkəmˈvɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “circumvent” in a sentence?
Here is “circumvent” used in a sentence: “The company circumvented the import tax by manufacturing locally.”
What part of speech is “circumvent”?
“Circumvent” is a verb.
Where does the word “circumvent” come from?
The word “circumvent” comes from Latin. From Latin circumvenire, "to come around" — circum ("around") plus venire ("to come").
Is “circumvent” a common word?
“Circumvent” is an uncommon word in modern English.
