DictionaryAI

avoid

verb
uh-VOYD/əˈvɔɪd/

Formsavoids, avoiding, avoided

10 meanings of avoid

Practice

  1. 1
    keep from doingverbtransitive
    To try not to do something, or to stop it from happening.

    Like leaving early so you don't get caught in the rain.

    I try to avoid eating too much sugar.

    She avoids making the same mistake twice.

    UsageUse -ing after it: avoid eating sugar (not incorrect: avoid to eat).

    Similareschew

    Note
  2. 2
    steer clear ofverbtransitive
    To stay away from a person, place, or thing, often on purpose or to stay safe.

    Like walking around a puddle instead of stepping in it.

    I avoid busy roads when I ride my bike.

    She avoids the crowded mall on weekends.

    Similarshun

  3. 3
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To get rid of something you do not want.
    Whanne Y was a litil child, Y spak as a litil child, Y vndurstood as a litil child, Y thouyte as a litil child; but whanne Y was maad a man, Y auoidide tho thingis that weren of a litil child.
    1395, Wycliffe Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:11Here, avoided means got rid of or put away childish things.
    Note

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Origin

It comes from Old French, from words meaning 'to empty out'. It is related to the Latin word for 'empty'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts