In psychology, the tendency to avoid an anxiety-provoking situation.
A type of defense mechanism in which the person tries to steer clear of people, situations, or objects perceived as threatening to the self, especially if related to unconscious impulses and imagined punishment for such impulses; a common type of behavior in anxiety disorders.
Noninvolvement, as a psychological defense to free oneself from fear, anxiety, or other adverse feelings.
The conscious or unconscious effort to escape from situations or events perceived by the individual to be threatening to personal comfort, safety, or well-being.