Pronunciation: [ɐvˈɔ͡ɪdənt] (IPA) 
The word "avoidant" is spelled with six letters, starting with "a" and ending in "t". It is pronounced /əˈvɔɪ.dənt/, with the primary stress on the second syllable. The "a" is pronounced as a schwa, while the "o" is pronounced with an open-mid back vowel, as in "law". The "i" is pronounced like a long "e" and the "d" is voiced. The word is often used to describe someone who tends to avoid certain situations out of fear or shyness.
Avoidant is an adjective used to describe the behavior or personality trait of individuals who tend to keep away, evade, or distance themselves from certain situations, people, or experiences. It refers to a pattern of avoiding or minimizing emotional or physical closeness, intimacy, or engagement with others. Avoidant individuals often exhibit a preference for solitude and may actively resist forming or maintaining intimate relationships.
In the context of psychology, avoidance is associated with avoidant personality disorder (AvPD), a clinical condition characterized by an enduring pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. People with AvPD consistently avoid social interactions and exhibit anxiety or fear due to the possibility of judgment, criticism, or rejection. This avoidance can result in limited social and occupational functioning.
Avoidant behavior can manifest in various ways, such as avoiding social gatherings, emotional vulnerability, public speaking, or engaging in new activities. Often, avoidance is accompanied by feelings of discomfort, anxiety, or the need to escape from situations perceived as threatening or overwhelming.
The term "avoidant" can also be used more broadly to describe a general tendency to steer clear of difficult or unpleasant situations, conflicts, confrontations, or responsibilities. It may signify a defensive mechanism employed by individuals to protect themselves from potential harm or discomfort. Avoidance can hinder personal growth, limit support networks, and hinder the development of healthy, meaningful relationships.
The word "avoidant" is derived from the verb "avoid", which originated from the Old French word "evuider". This Old French term is a combination of "e-" (meaning "out") and "vider" (meaning "to empty" or "to void"). Eventually, "avoid" emerged in Middle English, preserving the same meaning. The suffix "-ant" in "avoidant" is added to form an adjective, thus creating the word to describe someone who tends to avoid or shy away from certain situations.
