An insecure attachment style characterized by discomfort with closeness, excessive self-reliance, and emotional distance in relationships. These individuals often have a positive view of themselves but negative view of others.
Described by Mary Ainsworth in the 1970s, from 'avoidant' derived from Old French 'esvuidier' (to empty out, withdraw) combined with 'attachment.' The term captures the tendency to avoid emotional intimacy as a protective strategy learned from consistently unresponsive caregiving.
Avoidant attachment is like having emotional armor that's so effective it keeps out love along with pain! These people learned early that needing others leads to disappointment, so they become masters of independence - but often at the cost of deep, meaningful connections.
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