circumvented
Definition
Circumvented means someone found a sneaky way around a rule, agreement, or legal requirement without technically breaking it head-on. Think of it like driving around a roadblock instead of crashing through it — you avoided the obstacle, but you still went somewhere you weren't supposed to go. Courts take this seriously because the harm caused is often just as real as an outright violation.
Example
If your contract says a former employee can't steal your clients directly, but they get a friend to contact those clients on their behalf, they have circumvented the agreement even though they didn't personally make the calls.
Watch Out
When you write contracts, be specific about what you want to prevent because vague language leaves room for clever workarounds that a court may not be able to stop.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.