AVOID

[verb] [T] - to stay away from (someone or something), or prevent (something) from happening or not allow yourself to do (something)You really should avoid him - he'll only try to borrow money from you.Do you think Tim's avoiding me? I haven't seen him for a month.I try to avoid supermarkets on Saturdays - they're always so busy.I try to avoid going shopping on Saturdays. [+ verb-ing]The report studiously avoided any mention of the controversial plan. [T]The plane narrowly avoided disaster when one of the engines cut out on take-off. [T]I left the pub to avoid a fight (= prevent a fight from happening).Unnecessary paperwork should be avoided (= prevented) at all costs.The politicians were anxious to avoid (= prevent) the embarrassment of an environmental disaster.To avoid someone or something like the plague is to be determined to avoid it completely.She avoids him like the plague now she knows what he did.Since the scare about mad cow disease, I've avoided beef like the plague.