Main Entry:

avoid

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈvȯid\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French avoider, alteration of Old French esvuider, from es- (from Latin ex-) + vuider to empty — more at void

Date:

14th century

1: to make legally void : annul <avoid a plea>2obsolete : void, expel3 a: to keep away from : shun <have been avoiding me> b: to prevent the occurrence or effectiveness of <avoid further delays> c: to refrain from <avoid overeating>4archaic : to depart or withdraw from : leave

synonyms see escape

— avoid·able \-ˈvȯi-də-bəl\ adjective

— avoid·ably \-blē\ adverb

— avoid·er noun