If so, are they antonyms or did one undergo a lexical shift to become the other? Also, is the /es-/ prefix used as a negator in any other English words, or is this case an exception?
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And the question deserved a down-vote? That's what puts me off posting what seem to be to be sensible questions.– David GarnerMay 27, 2016 at 10:32
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1I didn't downvote, but I understand the downvoter's reaction, because this is a question that can be fully answered by reference to primary, easily available, sources.– Colin FineMay 27, 2016 at 10:51
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1 Answer
No, the two words are not related. There is neither a direct relation nor a negation.
"Shew" is an old version of "show" which comes from proto-Germanic "skauwojan", i.e. choose, look at, and other verbs. Even in Proto-Indo-European, there is "skeue", pay attention.
On the other hand, "eschew" is from proto-Germanic "skeukhwaz", i.e. escape.
