Circumlocution denotes "roundabout speech". Most often the term refers to a way of expressing something in a very wordy way, or of saying something indirectly instead of saying it in a more direct and simple manner. The word is sometimes used as a synonym for euphemism. Circumlocution is employed to avoid a direct expression, either out of respect for the dignity of someone or something, or from a motive of obfuscation or misdirection, in either case, whether good or bad, to escape unpleasant consequences for oneself or others one wishes to protect.