verb \ə-ˈvid\

: to stay away from (someone or something)

: to prevent the occurrence of (something bad, unpleasant, etc.)

: to keep yourself from doing (something) or participating in (something)

Full Definition of AVOID

transitive verb
:  to make legally void :  annul <avoid a plea>
obsolete :  void, expel
a :  to keep away from :  shun <have been avoiding me>
b :  to prevent the occurrence or effectiveness of <avoid further delays>
c :  to refrain from <avoid overeating>
archaic :  to depart or withdraw from :  leave
avoid·able \-ˈvi-də-bəl\ adjective
avoid·ably \-blē\ adverb
avoid·er noun

Examples of AVOID

  1. Why do you keep avoiding me?
  2. She took a detour to avoid the heavy traffic.
  3. They successfully avoided each other for days.
  4. He tried hard to avoid accidents.
  5. We need to avoid further delays.
  6. He was caught trying to avoid arrest.
  7. in an effort to avoid confusion
  8. I'm not going to be late if I can avoid it.
  9. How can I avoid paying too much tax?
  10. I am trying to avoid showing any hint of favoritism.

Origin of AVOID

Middle English, from Anglo-French avoider, alteration of Old French esvuider, from es- (from Latin ex-) + vuider to empty — more at void
First Known Use: 14th century


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