WordGarden.ioavoid
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /əvˈɔɪd/
US
- /əˈvɔɪd/
Meanings
Verb
to stay away from someone or something, or not do something
to prevent something unwanted from happening
Beyond the definition
To avoid something means to intentionally keep away from it – whether physically, emotionally, or conceptually. You might avoid a busy street during rush hour, an uncomfortable conversation with a friend, or even a certain type of food because you dislike it. It's about making a conscious choice not to encounter something.
Think of a cat avoiding water! Or perhaps a politician carefully avoids answering a difficult question. Sometimes we avoid things out of fear, sometimes out of preference, and sometimes simply for convenience. Avoiding isn't always negative; strategically avoiding distractions can help you focus on important tasks. But consistently avoiding problems rarely makes them disappear – often they just get worse.
The word "avoid" signifies the act of intentionally steering clear of something—a person, place, situation, or even an idea. It implies a deliberate effort to prevent contact or involvement. For example: "She avoided eye contact with him after their argument," or "He tried to avoid making any commitments."
Avoid can be used in both physical and abstract contexts. You might physically avoid a pothole while driving, but you could also emotionally avoid confronting a painful memory. It's more than just accidentally missing something; it's an active choice.
The degree of avoidance can vary. Sometimes it's a simple preference – "I avoid eating fast food." Other times it's driven by fear or anxiety – "He avoids public speaking at all costs." And in some cases, it's a strategic decision to protect oneself – "She avoided the gossip and focused on her work."
Interestingly, when describing an action, "avoid" must be followed by a gerund (an -ing verb), not an infinitive. You would not say "avoid to make mistakes"; you would say: "He managed to avoid making any mistakes." This structure highlights the active prevention of an event.
So whether it's a detour around trouble, a conscious choice to stay away, or a preventative measure against future problems—to avoid is to intentionally create distance and prevent an encounter.
Examples
- 1
Traffic
We left early to avoid the traffic.
- 2
Personal conflict
I've been avoiding Tom since our argument.
- 3
Mistake prevention
Try to avoid making the same mistake again.
- Patternavoid doing something
not do that action
- 4
Workplace topics
She avoids talking about her family at work.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Allergies
If you have allergies, avoid foods with nuts in them.
- 6
Eye contact
He avoided eye contact and looked at the floor.
- Phraseavoid eye contact
not look at someone's eyes
- 7
Public answers
The minister avoided answering the question directly.
- Patternavoid answering
not answer clearly
- 8
Planning ahead
Booking online can help you avoid a long wait.
- 9
Job interview
It's hard to avoid feeling nervous before an interview.
- 10
Unwanted explanation
She laughed to avoid having to explain what happened.
- Patternavoid having to do something
prevent a situation where you must do it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- confront
- seek out
Used with (collocations)
- avoid doing something
- avoid contact
- avoid mistakes
- avoid the issue
Word family
Explore
- risk reduction
- prevention
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- avoidverb
Forms
- avoidedpast tenseverb
- avoiding-ing formverb
- avoidsverb