What does eschew mean?
To eschew is to deliberately avoid or refrain from something, usually as a matter of principle, taste, or settled habit rather than momentary convenience. A person might eschew meat, eschew publicity, or eschew modern technology in favour of older ways. The verb implies conscious choice: what is eschewed could be available, but the speaker turns away from it on purpose. This gives the word a formal, somewhat literary tone, making it a staple of essays, journalism, and thoughtful prose rather than everyday conversation. It is stronger than simply 'avoiding' — it suggests sustained abstinence or rejection — yet it does not carry the harshness of 'shun', which often implies social ostracism. English borrowed eschew in the Middle Ages from Old French, ultimately tracing back through Frankish roots related to the idea of shunning or fleeing. For writers seeking a precise, dignified way to express principled self-restraint or deliberate avoidance, eschew remains an elegant and enduring choice.
verbTo deliberately avoid or abstain from something, typically on principle or out of a considered choice.
- To deliberately and habitually keep away from or abstain from something, especially on moral, aesthetic, or practical grounds.
"A committed minimalist, she eschews clutter of every kind."
"He eschewed alcohol after his doctor's warning."
"The author famously eschews social media, preferring long letters instead."
"Eschew obfuscation" — the witty writer's rallying cry that means, fittingly, "avoid using needlessly complicated words."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of eschew
Eschew entered Middle English around the fourteenth century from Old French 'eschiever', meaning to avoid or shun. The French verb combined the prefix 'es-' (from Latin 'ex-') with a Germanic root also found in words like 'shy' and 'shun', reflecting Frankish influence on Old French. It thus belongs to the same Germanic word family as 'shy' and 'shun', despite its Romance-language route into English.
Related word forms
How eschew is actually used
Eschew is formal and slightly elevated in register. It carries a connotation of principled or habitual avoidance rather than casual dodging — one eschews luxuries, clichés, or temptation, not merely an inconvenient meeting.
Easily confused with eschew
'Exchequer' refers to a government treasury, while 'eschew' means to deliberately avoid something; they share only a superficial sound resemblance.