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avoid

[ uh-void ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to keep away from; keep clear of; shun:
to avoid a person;
to avoid taxes;
to avoid danger.
Synonyms: , ,
Antonyms: , ,
to prevent from happening:
to avoid falling.
Law. to make void or of no effect; invalidate.
Obsolete. to empty; eject or expel.

avoid

/ əˈ��ɔɪ�� /

verb

to keep out of the way of
to refrain from doing
to prevent from happening
to avoid damage to machinery
law to make (a plea, contract, etc) void; invalidate; quash
obsolete.
to expel
obsolete.
to depart from

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Derived Forms

��ˈ��Ǿ��岹��, adverb
��ˈ��Ǿ��岹��, adjective
��ˈ��Ǿ��, noun

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Other Word Forms

��·��Ǿ��a·�� adjective
��·��Ǿ��a·�� adverb
��·��Ǿ��İ� noun
non��·��Ǿ��a·�� adjective
non��·��Ǿ��a·��·ness noun
non��·��Ǿ��a·�� adverb
�ܲ�a·��Ǿ��i�Բ� adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of avoid¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English avoiden, from Anglo-French avoider, equivalent to a- ⁴( def ) + void ( def )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of avoid¹

C14: from Anglo-French avoider, from Old French esvuidier, from vuidier to empty, void

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Synonym Study

Avoid, escape mean to come through a potentially harmful or unpleasant experience, without suffering serious consequences. To avoid is to succeed in keeping away from something dangerous or undesirable: to avoid meeting an enemy. Escape suggests encountering peril but coming through it safely: to escape drowning.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

She said that there would be a large police presence across Uppsala in the coming days, but that there were "no guarantees" that further violence could be avoided.

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Robert Gardener, Nationwide's chief economist, said there was a "significant jump" in transactions in March, with buyers bringing forward purchases to avoid the additional tax charges.

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But now she looks back at the result with sadness, believing it has now led political parties to "play it safe" and avoid "the hot Aboriginal issues".

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There was particular concern for victims of domestic and economic abuse who need cash to avoid being traced through card transactions or to gain financial independence from abusive partners.

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That could involve social prescribing, where suitable activities in the community are recommended to avoid crises and preventative care.

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Related Words

Avogadro's number avoidance

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