Meaning of avoid in English

Table of contents

Verb
avoid
Etymology
late Middle English: from Old French evuider‘clear out, get rid of’, from vuide‘empty’ (see void)
Definitions
1. stay clear from
Examples
- « keep away from »
- « keep out of the way of someone or something »
- « Her former friends now avoid her »
Antonyms
Derived terms
2. prevent the occurrence of
Examples
- « prevent from happening »
- « Let's avoid a confrontation »
- « head off a confrontation »
- « avert a strike »
Derived terms
3. refrain from doing something
Examples
- « She refrains from calling her therapist too often »
- « He should avoid publishing his wife's memoires »
4. refrain from certain foods or beverages
Examples
- « I keep off drugs »
- « During Ramadan, Muslims avoid tobacco during the day »
5. declare invalid
Examples
- « The contract was annulled »
- « void a plea »
Antonyms
Derived terms

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