avoid

a-void · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To keep away from or stop oneself from doing something.

  2. 2.

    To prevent something from happening.

  3. 3.

    To keep away from someone or something.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    avoid like the plague — To stay completely away from something.
  • •
    avoid at all costs — To do everything possible to prevent something.

Related words

Antonyms: confront, embrace, face, seek
See also: escape, evade, prevented, shun
Synonyms: dodge, escape, evade, shun, sidestep

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman French avoider ("to clear out, withdraw"), from Old French esvuidier ("to empty out"), from es- ("out") + vuidier ("to empty"), from vuide ("empty").