avoid

[ uh-void ]

verb (used with object)

1. to keep away from; keep clear of; shun:

   to avoid a person;

   to avoid taxes;

   to avoid danger.

   Synonyms: dodge, elude, evade

   Antonyms: encounter, face, confront

2. to prevent from happening:

   to avoid falling.

3. Law. to make void or of no effect; invalidate.
4. Obsolete. to empty; eject or expel.

avoid

/ əˈvɔɪd /

verb

1. to keep out of the way of
2. to refrain from doing
3. to prevent from happening

   to avoid damage to machinery

4. law to make (a plea, contract, etc) void; invalidate; quash
5. obsolete.
   to expel
6. obsolete.
   to depart from

Derived Forms

• aˈvoidably, adverb
• aˈvoidable, adjective
• aˈvoider, noun

Other Words From

• a·voida·ble adjective
• a·voida·bly adverb
• a·voider noun
• nona·voida·ble adjective
• nona·voida·ble·ness noun
• nona·voida·bly adverb
• una·voiding adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of avoid¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English avoiden, from Anglo-French avoider, equivalent to a- ⁴( def ) + void ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of avoid¹

C14: from Anglo-French avoider, from Old French esvuidier, from vuidier to empty, void

Synonym Study

Avoid, escape mean to come through a potentially harmful or unpleasant experience, without suffering serious consequences. To avoid is to succeed in keeping away from something dangerous or undesirable: to avoid meeting an enemy. Escape suggests encountering peril but coming through it safely: to escape drowning.

Example Sentences

On the one hand, enough copper ions must be on hand; on the other, the concentration of free copper ions in the cytoplasm must be kept very low to avoid undesired side effects.

From Science Daily

Given the complexity of the EZH2 pathway, achieving a careful balance is essential to avoid reversing treatment benefits.

From Science Daily

He had successfully avoided injury for 10 games, but a flu outbreak that swept through USC’s locker room late last week didn’t spare the senior back.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, the former Los Angeles City Council member and county supervisor is in a different sort of campaign with far greater stakes: a fight to clear his name and avoid prison.

From Los Angeles Times

People often avoid coming to the victim's defense, for fear that they will be the next person targeted.

From Salon

Related Words

• avert
• bypass
• dodge
• escape
• evade
• fend off
• shun
• sidestep
• ward off