ə̇s(h)ˈchü, es(- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English eschewen, eschuen, from Middle French eschiuver, eschiver to shun, avoid, from Old French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German sciuhen to frighten off, make timid — more at shy
transitive verb
1. : to abstain from (as something wrong, inappropriate, distasteful, or harmful) : shun
trained to eschew private passions and pursuits — E.A.Mowrer
some of the millionaires eschewed palatial magnificence — F.L.Allen
despite the engagement to eschew violence, disorders and bloodshed took place — Collier's Year Book
the normal vegetarian only eschews fish, flesh, and fowl — N.C.Wright
2. obsolete : to keep free of : escape
intransitive verb
obsolete : escape
Synonyms: see escape , forgo