avoid
uh-VOYD
Avoid (verb) means to keep away from someone or something, especially something unwanted or harmful. Example: “I always avoid the shops on Saturday afternoons because they get so crowded.”
verb
1
To keep away from someone or something, especially something unwanted or harmful.
"I always avoid the shops on Saturday afternoons because they get so crowded."
"He crossed the street to avoid his ex."
"Try to avoid the motorway at rush hour."
2
To prevent something from happening, or to stop yourself from doing something.
"Wear gloves if you want to avoid getting blisters while you dig the garden."
"We left early to avoid missing the last train home."
"They rescheduled the meeting to avoid a clash with the conference."
3
legal: To make a contract or legal act void; to cancel it.
"The court agreed to avoid the agreement because it had been signed under pressure."
"A young person can often avoid a contract made before reaching adulthood."
"The buyer sought to avoid the contract on the grounds of fraud."
How to use avoid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo stay away from something, or stop it from happening.
Common mistake
Avoid is followed by a gerund, not "to" — say "avoid doing" not "avoid to do".
Common pairings
avoid a mistake
avoid eye contact
avoid conflict
avoid the issue
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- avoids
- Past tense
- avoided
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I always _____ the shops on Saturday afternoons because they get so crowded.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman avoider, from Old French esvuidier, "to empty out" — from es- + vuidier, related to Latin vacuus, "empty".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for avoid
See all rhymes for avoid →Frequently asked questions
What does “avoid” mean?
The word “avoid” means to keep away from someone or something, especially something unwanted or harmful. In plain terms, to stay away from something, or stop it from happening.
How do you pronounce “avoid”?
“Avoid” is pronounced uh-VOYD (/əˈvɔɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “avoid” in a sentence?
Here is “avoid” used in a sentence: “He crossed the street to avoid his ex.”
What is another word for “avoid”?
Words with a similar meaning to “avoid” include abjure, avert, stave off, dodge, duck and help.
What is the opposite of “avoid”?
The opposite of “avoid” — its antonyms — are come to grips with, confront, deal with, engage and get to grips with.
What part of speech is “avoid”?
“Avoid” is a verb.
Where does the word “avoid” come from?
The word “avoid” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman avoider, from Old French esvuidier, "to empty out" — from es- + vuidier, related to Latin vacuus, "empty".
Is “avoid” a common word?
“Avoid” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'avoid' and 'prevent'?
To avoid something is to keep yourself away from it — 'avoid the busy road.' To prevent something is to stop it from happening at all — 'prevent an accident.' Avoiding protects you by staying clear; preventing stops the event itself, often for everyone involved.
What is the difference between 'avoid' and 'evade'?
Both mean keeping away from something, but 'evade' suggests doing so cleverly or deliberately, often to escape a duty or a pursuer — 'evade capture,' 'evade taxes.' 'Avoid' is neutral and everyday, simply meaning to stay clear of something unwanted, with no hint of trickery.
What is the opposite of 'avoid'?
The opposite of avoid is to face or confront something directly instead of keeping away from it. Depending on context, antonyms include 'face,' 'confront,' 'seek,' 'approach,' and 'embrace.' Where avoid means dodging a problem, its opposite means meeting it head-on.
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