avoidant

/ə-ˈvȯid-ᵊnt/ (ame, mw)

avoidant — adjective

  • avoidantpositive
  • more avoidantcomparative
  • most avoidantsuperlative

1. showing a regular habit of pulling away, becoming closed off, or acting defensiv

1.形容詞C1
釋義

showing a regular habit of pulling away, becoming closed off, or acting defensively instead of dealing directly with people, feelings, or difficult situations

例句

After the breakup, Nadia became avoidant and stopped replying to friends for weeks.

become + avoidant after emotional stress

The therapist said Jude's avoidant behavior appeared whenever family arguments started at dinner.

avoidant behavior in counseling language

同義詞
  • withdrawn

    focuses on pulling away socially and may sound quieter or less defensive

  • evasive

    focuses on not answering clearly, especially in conversation

  • defensive

    focuses on protecting yourself when you feel criticised or threatened

  • detached

    suggests emotional distance more than active retreat

反義詞
  • open

    ready to share feelings or discuss problems directly

  • direct

    deals with issues plainly instead of backing away from them

  • receptive

    willing to listen, connect, or respond rather than shut down

文法句型

avoidant + noun

be + avoidant

avoidant when + clause

用法筆記

Usually describes a repeated pattern rather than one single act of avoiding something. It is especially common in counseling or psychology contexts with nouns such as behavior, style, attachment, and personality.

常見錯誤

❌Nadia is avoidant the subject of money.
✅Nadia becomes avoidant when the subject of money comes up.
💡'avoidant' does not take a direct object the way the verb 'avoid' does.
❌Jude is avoidant the meeting tonight.
✅Jude is avoiding the meeting tonight.
💡use 'avoiding' for one immediate action; 'avoidant' describes a general pattern or style.