avoid
/əˈvɔɪd/
verb
- To stay away from someone or something; to prevent something from happening.
- She crossed the street to avoid her noisy neighbor.
- He wore sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned.
- Drivers should avoid the city center during rush hour.
- To keep yourself from doing something; to refrain from an action.
- The doctor told him to avoid strenuous exercise for a week.
- Try to avoid eating too much sugar before bed.
- I avoid making promises I can't keep.
- To prevent something bad from happening; to escape or evade.
- Quick thinking helped them avoid a serious accident.
- She narrowly avoided being hit by a falling branch.
- The company avoided bankruptcy by cutting costs.