eschew

/ɛsˈtʃuː/

Group 10Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(verb)
To deliberately avoid using; to abstain from
GRE

Example in Context

The movement eschewed traditional hierarchies in favor of a radically decentralized structure that gave equal voice to every member.

Synonyms

avoidshunsteer clear

Etymology

To cut out of something — deliberately avoiding it.

  • ex- (Latin) — out of
  • caedere (Latin) — to cut

Memory Aid

🚫Sounds like “S-Chew

I S-CHEW gum in public to ESCHew people from talking to me!

Visual Association

🚷A person walking with a big 'NO' sign to avoid all the gum-chewing folks around them.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “eschew” mean on the GRE?

eschew (verb) means “To deliberately avoid using; to abstain from”. The movement eschewed traditional hierarchies in favor of a radically decentralized structure that gave equal voice to every member.

How to remember “eschew” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “eschew” sounds like “S-Chew”. I S-CHEW gum in public to ESCHew people from talking to me!

What are synonyms for “eschew”?

Common synonyms: avoid, shun, steer clear.