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View synonyms for

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: , ,

    Antonyms: , ,

  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

/ əˈɔɪ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈǾ岹, adverb
  • ˈǾ岹, adjective
  • ˈǾ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·Ǿa· adjective
  • ·Ǿa· adverb
  • ·Ǿİ noun
  • non·Ǿa· adjective
  • non·Ǿa··ness noun
  • non·Ǿa· adverb
  • ܲa·ǾiԲ adjective
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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 )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of avoid1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

If I avoid looking into a mirror and take a bite, I am my nineteen year old self — sun bleached locks framing my face, leaner and more muscular — always somewhere close to a water’s edge.

From

Jake Tilk, and his brother, Max Tilk, who is on the autism spectrum, largely avoid that political discourse in their social media videos where they share what their day-to-day life looks.

From

Given the tensions between the two leaders, some diplomats said this might be no bad thing and could avoid the risk of a confrontation like that in the Oval Office in February.

From

Critics say these words are associated with healthcare companies avoiding payouts and increasing their profits.

From

Gibson said an increasing number of salons are opting to rent chairs out to self-employed staff, instead of employing stylists directly, to avoid paying tax.

From

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Avogadro's numberavoidance