eschew


es·chew

verb
\e-ˈshü, i-; es-ˈchü, is-; also e-ˈskyü\

Definition of ESCHEW

transitive verb
: to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds : shun
es·chew·al \-əl\ noun

Examples of ESCHEW

  1. They now eschew the violence of their past.
  2. a psychologist who eschews the traditional methods of psychotherapy
  3. Though a doctor with psychiatric training, he eschewed the science that had so enamored earlier child-rearing professionals … —Sue Halpern, New York Review of Books, 29 May 2003

Origin of ESCHEW

Middle English, from Anglo-French eschiver (3d present eschiu) of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German sciuhen to frighten off — more at shy
First Known Use: 14th century

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: eschscholtzia
Previous Word in the Dictionary: escheator
All Words Near: eschew

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up eschew? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Test Your Vocabulary

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Name That Thing

Take our visual vocab quiz

Test Your Knowledge »

True or False?

A quick quiz about stuff worth knowing

Take It Now »

Join Us on FB & Twitter

Get the Word of the Day and More

Facebook | Twitter

Get Our Free Apps

Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More

iPhone | iPad | Android | More