avoid — meaning, definition & examples

Definition

To stay away from something or someone because it is unpleasant or unwanted

I try to avoid eating spicy food because it upsets my stomach.

To prevent something from happening or to prevent a problem from arising

The company took steps to avoid a lawsuit by settling the dispute out of court.

evadeOften implies a more deliberate or sneaky attempt to avoid something escapeUsually implies a more dramatic or urgent need to get away from something shunImplies a strong dislike or disapproval, often used to describe avoiding someone or something due to moral or social reasons

Free. No account. GoVocab reminds you right before you'd forget avoid.