CIRCUMVENT definition: to go around or bypass. See examples of circumvent used in a sentence.

Today, circumvent more often suggests avoidance than entrapment; to come full circle, it typically means to “get around” someone or something, as by evading a problem or avoiding the law.

CIRCUMVENT definition: 1. to avoid something, especially cleverly or illegally: 2. to avoid something, especially…. Learn more.

Jan 14, 2026 · Verb circumvent (third-person singular simple present circumvents, present participle circumventing, simple past and past participle circumvented) (transitive) to avoid or get around …

If you circumvent someone, you cleverly prevent them from achieving something, especially when they are trying to harm you.

to go around or bypass: to circumvent a traffic jam by taking another route. to avoid (a problem, etc.) by tricks: She circumvented the rule against bribes by demanding and receiving high "consultant fees.''

Definition of circumvent verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

1. to go around or bypass: to circumvent the lake; to circumvent a problem. 2. to avoid by artfulness; elude: to circumvent defeat. 3. to surround or encompass, as by stratagem; entrap.

To circumvent is to avoid. Someone who trains elephants but somehow gets out of picking up after them has found a way to circumvent the cleaning of the circus tent.

circumvent meaning, definition, what is circumvent: to avoid a problem or rule that restrict...: Learn more.