Meaning & Definition of word "Avoid"

Avoid

/əˈvɔɪd/

1. To keep away from or prevent from happening.
- Example: She tried to avoid the rain by taking an umbrella.
2. To prevent something from happening.
- Example: He took measures to avoid any possible misunderstandings.
3. To stay clear of or evade.
- Example: The athlete made an effort to avoid injuries during the season.
4. To refrain from doing something.
- Example: You should avoid eating too much sugar for better health.

●From Middle English 'avoid' meaning 'to empty out, remove,' from Old French 'esvuidier' which means 'to empty.'

avoid something like the plague:

To deliberately stay away from something.

avoid eye contact:

To not look directly at someone.

avoid at all costs:

To do everything possible to stay away from something.

evade:

To escape or avoid, especially through cleverness.

shun:

To avoid or reject deliberately.

circumvent:

To find a way around (an obstacle or an issue).

Meaning: Skip

● Example Sentence: I'm just going to skip that party to avoid the drama.

Meaning: Duck

● Example Sentence: He tried to duck the meeting because he didn't want to deal with the conflict.