to keep away from someone or something, to prevent something from happening, to refrain from doing something

avoid someone like the plague, avoid the issue, avoid responsibility

Formal and Informal Expressions of avoid

In different contexts, you can replace 'avoid' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'refrain from, abstain from' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'stay away from, keep clear of' is a commonplace synonym.

avoid: Explore its Definition & Usage

avoid Definition

1to keep away from someone or something
2to prevent something from happening
3to refrain from doing something

Using avoid: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "avoid" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I try to avoid eating too much sugar.
Example
He avoided eye contact with me.
Example
She avoided answering my question.
Example
The accident could have been avoided if he had been more careful.
Example
We need to avoid making the same mistakes again.

avoid Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for avoid

Antonyms for avoid

Phrases with avoid

avoid someone like the plague
to stay away from someone completely
Example
I always avoid my ex-boyfriend like the plague when I see him at parties.
avoid the issue
to not talk about the main topic of discussion
Example
He kept avoiding the issue and wouldn't answer my questions directly.
avoid responsibility
to not take responsibility for something that you are responsible for
Example
He tried to avoid responsibility for the mistake by blaming it on someone else.

Origins of avoid

from Old French 'esvuidier', meaning 'empty out'

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Summary: avoid in Brief

'Avoid' [əˈvɔɪd] means to keep away from, prevent, or refrain from something. It can be used in various contexts, such as avoiding sugary foods or avoiding a person. Phrases like 'avoid someone like the plague' and 'avoid the issue' use 'avoid' to denote staying away from someone or not talking about the main topic of discussion, respectively.