Intentionally ignoring an issue so that it does not need to be dealt with. It is used as a verb.
This technique is often used by management or politicians so that they can justify not solving an issue. It is also a common technique while procrastinating.
The term stems from the movie Bird Box where everyone avoids looking at “beings” that move around outside. When they finally look at these “beings” they can’t help but reckon with what they are seeing and they end up killing themselves.
I didn’t realize how bad the mold was in my basement until I stopped birdboxing it.
Trump birdboxes climate change so that he can justify withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement.
(on the phone)
Dude: Hey man, I might be a little late this morning. My roommate's, uh, fucking in the living room and I don't wanna walk through that.
Boss: You got a scarf? Birdbox it.