Avoid Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of AVOID

[+ object]

1

:

to stay away from (someone or something)

• Why do you keep avoiding me?
• She took a detour to avoid the heavy traffic.
• They successfully avoided each other for days.

2

:

to prevent the occurrence of (something bad, unpleasant, etc.)

• He tried hard to avoid accidents.
• We need to avoid further delays.
• avoid embarrassment
• He was caught trying to avoid arrest.
• in an effort to avoid confusion

3

:

to keep yourself from doing (something) or participating in (something)

• I'm not going to be late if I can avoid it.
• How can I avoid paying too much tax?
• I am trying to avoid showing any hint of favoritism.

— avoidable

/əˈvoɪdəbəl/

adjective

• It was a foolish and easily avoidable accident.
• an avoidable conflict/risk