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>
2 obsolete : void, expel
3 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>
4 archaic : to depart or withdraw from : leave

synonyms see escape

— avoid·able \-ˈvȯi-də-bəl\ adjective

— avoid·ably \-blē\ adverb

— avoid·er noun