Vyhýbanie

Vyhýbanie is a Slovak noun meaning the act or practice of avoiding something. It derives from the verb vyhýbať sa (to avoid, to steer away from). The term is used in various contexts to describe deliberate efforts to prevent contact, exposure, or engagement with a person, situation, or stimulus.

In psychology and behavioral sciences, vyhýbanie (avoidance) refers to avoidance behavior, a learning process in which an organism learns to prevent an aversive outcome by performing a specific action before it occurs. It is a central concept in theories of anxiety and phobias, and in obsessive–compulsive disorder, where avoidance can maintain or worsen symptoms by reducing exposure to feared stimuli.

In law and economics, vyhýbanie sa occurs in discussions of tax avoidance, referring to legally permissible strategies to minimize tax liability. It is distinct from tax evasion (daňový únik), which involves illegal practices. Public policy often debates the balance between legitimate avoidance strategies and more aggressive planning that may erode tax bases.

In public health and risk management, vyhýbanie may describe intentional avoidance of risky environments, substances, or behaviors, such as avoiding contaminated food, hazardous workplaces, or high-risk situations. The term is sometimes used in everyday language to describe prudent avoidance as opposed to rash or impulsive action.