verb

eschew

es-CHOO

Eschew (verb) means to deliberately avoid or keep away from something, usually on moral or practical grounds. Example: “The community eschews all modern technology.”

verb

formal To deliberately avoid or keep away from something, usually on moral or practical grounds.

"The community eschews all modern technology."

"He eschewed the limelight and gave no interviews for years."

How to use eschew

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo choose not to do or use something, usually because you think it's wrong or unhelpful.

When to use it

Formal and rather bookish; 'avoid' or 'steer clear of' fit most everyday writing.

Memory tip

It takes a direct object with no preposition: 'eschew meat', never 'eschew from meat'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

chew → askew → exclude → eshew (misspelling)

Common pairings

eschew violence eschew publicity eschew luxury largely eschewed

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The community _____ all modern technology.

Etymology

From Old French eschiver ('to shun, avoid'), of Germanic origin and related to the root behind English 'shy'.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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avoid shun abstain from forgo renounce

Antonyms

embrace seek adopt

Related words

try include search choose avoid accept attempt apply

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'eschew' and 'avoid'?

'Avoid' simply says you stayed away from something, for any reason including chance. 'Eschew' implies a considered choice to abstain, usually because you consider the thing unwise, unhealthy or wrong.

How do you pronounce 'eschew'?

The standard pronunciation is es-CHOO, with the 'ch' as in 'church'. The variant es-SHOO is also heard, especially in Britain, and is accepted.

What does 'eschew obfuscation' mean?

It is a self-mocking writing joke: the phrase means 'avoid unclear language' while itself being needlessly obscure. It is used to make the point that plain words beat impressive ones.

What is the meaning of eschew?

"eschew" (verb) means to deliberately avoid or keep away from something, usually on moral or practical grounds.

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