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circumvent — to avoid or get around something, especially a rule or restriction, in a clever way

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to avoid or get around something, especially a rule or restriction, in a clever way

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsɜːrkəmvent/

Example Sentences

  • The clever student circumvented the 'no phones' rule by hiding a smartwatch under his sleeve.
  • Hackers often try to circumvent security systems to gain unauthorized access.
  • My cat has learned to circumvent the pet gate by jumping over the couch.

circumvent

VERB

[/ˈsɜːrkəmvent/]

to avoid or get around something, especially a rule or restriction, in a clever way

Instead of climbing the locked gate, the smart hiker simply walked through the grass to circumvent the obstacle.
💡 Concept

Instead of climbing the locked gate, the smart hiker simply walked through the grass to circumvent the obstacle.

CIRCUM(around) + VENT(come) — the spy had to VENT(come) in a wide CIRCUM(circle) along the wall to successfully circumvent the deadly red lasers.
🧠 Mnemonic

CIRCUM(around) + VENT(come) — the spy had to VENT(come) in a wide CIRCUM(circle) along the wall to successfully circumvent the deadly red lasers.

Despite the tall fence built to prevent escapes, the clever dog dug a deep tunnel to circumvent the barrier.
🎵 Rhyme

Despite the tall fence built to prevent escapes, the clever dog dug a deep tunnel to circumvent the barrier.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈsɜːrkəmvent/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌsɜːkəmˈvent/

🌳Etymology

Prefixcircum--
Rootvent

Origin

From Latin 'circumvenire,' combining 'circum' (around) and 'venire' (to come). The word originally meant to surround or encircle, later developing the figurative sense of avoiding or getting around something through clever means.

Breakdown

circum- (around) + vent (from Latin venire, to come) + -ion (noun suffix, though modern usage typically omits the suffix) = circumvent (to go around or bypass)

🎵Rhyme

prevent
event
invent

🔗Collocations

circumvent the law
circumvent restrictions
circumvent security
circumvent regulations
circumvent the system
cleverly circumvent

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The clever student circumvented the 'no phones' rule by hiding a smartwatch under his sleeve.”

“Hackers often try to circumvent security systems to gain unauthorized access.”

😄 Fun example

“My cat has learned to circumvent the pet gate by jumping over the couch.”

“The company tried to circumvent environmental regulations by relocating their factory.”

📚Related Words

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