əˈvȯid verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English avoiden, from Old French esvuidier, from es- (from Latin ex out) + vuidier to empty — more at ex- , void
transitive verb
1. obsolete
a. : void
b. : expel
2. archaic : to depart or withdraw from : leave
3. law : to make void : annul , vacate , defeat , evade , invalidate
avoid a plea
4.
a. : to keep away from : stay clear of
she was a professional do-gooder … and Horace Mann avoided her — H.S.Commager
b. : to prevent the occurrence or effectiveness of
be careful to avoid cracking the glass
: sidestep : bypass
he is also a Puritan who does not smoke and drinks only to avoid an issue — American Fabrics
: refrain from
they should avoid bringing out sensational books even if they promise to sell well — Lister Hill
intransitive verb
obsolete : retreat , withdraw — usually followed by a preposition
David avoided out of his presence — 1 Sam 18:11 (Authorized Version)
Synonyms: see escape