avoidance
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //əˈvɔɪdəns// UK //ɐvˈɔɪdəns// avoid·ance
n. the act of staying away from something or someone. You use this word when you describe how a person tries not to face a difficult situation or an unpleasant task.
n. the action of keeping away from or preventing contact with something undesirable. Often used in the fixed phrase 'conflict avoidance'.
His avoidance of the topic was obvious.
She showed clear avoidance of eye contact during the interview.
The politician's strategic avoidance of the question frustrated journalists who sought a direct answer on the new policy.
From Middle English avoidaunce, from avoid + -ance.