avoid
verb (transitive)
UK/əˈvɔɪd/US/əˈvɔɪd/
to stay away from someone or something; to prevent or stop something from happening
Example Sentences
She tried to avoid stepping in puddles after the heavy rain.
He always finds a way to avoid conflict whenever possible.
You should avoid junk food if you want to maintain a healthy diet.
The best strategy to avoid future problems is careful planning.
Drivers are advised to avoid the highway during rush hour.
He wore a mask to avoid inhaling the toxic fumes.
If you want to avoid confusion, make sure to communicate your ideas clearly to your colleagues and confirm everyone’s understanding before proceeding with the project timeline.
Rather than addressing the issue directly, she attempted to avoid it by keeping herself busy with unrelated tasks and distancing herself from any discussions about the matter.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To keep away from someone or something for safety, convenience, or cautionThe verb “avoid” typically means to stay away from or not engage in specific activities, conditions, or individuals. In daily life, you might avoid a crowded event to prevent stress or illness. You could avoid certain foods for dietary reasons, or steer clear of conflicts to maintain harmony. In a more formal setting—like a corporate environment—you might advise colleagues to avoid last-minute changes that derail a project’s schedule.When using “avoid,” consider stating exactly what the subject is evading and the reason: “He avoids sugar to maintain his health” or “She avoids scheduling evening meetings to preserve family time.” Doing so ensures clarity and intent. Tone also matters; “avoid” can carry a negative connotation if overused. Sometimes, using softer synonyms or adding justification can lessen any unintended harshness: “Let’s try not to bring up sensitive topics tonight” sounds gentler than “Avoid talking about that.” Clarity, nuance, and context all help you use “avoid” effectively—whether you’re instructing, advising, or simply stating a preference. Above all, focus on explaining the rationale or benefit behind the evasion, so your purpose is both clear and considerate.
Alternatives
When you find yourself leaning heavily on “avoid,” exploring alternatives can enrich your communication and better capture nuances. Words like “evade,” “sidestep,” or “shun” each hold slightly distinct tones. “Evade” often implies strategy in steering clear, while “sidestep” emphasizes a neat maneuver around an issue or conflict. “Dodge” can convey a quick or even playful move away from a threat, whereas “steer clear” leans on caution or common sense. If you’re advising someone not to face a challenge head-on, “circumvent” implies a systematic bypass. If you want to maintain a softer, more positive tone, consider phrases like “try not to engage with” or “reduce exposure to,” which can highlight constructive action rather than outright dismissal. Meanwhile, “abstain” or “forgo” often fits contexts involving personal discipline—like diets or behavioral changes. By customizing your choice, you’ll capture the precise degree of urgency or subtlety you intend, ensuring each statement feels appropriately measured, whether you’re issuing a gentle reminder or giving a serious warning. Keeping these synonyms on hand helps maintain variety and clarity in both formal and informal scenarios.
Writing
In formal or academic writing, “avoid” can signal a strong recommendation or guideline. For example, you might write, “To ensure clarity, avoid ambiguous pronouns when drafting your report.” Such usage underlines the importance of steering clear of pitfalls that weaken your argument or cause confusion. “Avoid” is also a powerful verb for outlining cautionary procedures in instructional materials, like safety manuals or policy documents. By stating, “Avoid improper handling of chemicals,” you highlight a direct, crucial warning.However, moderation is key. Overusing “avoid” may make your text sound overly negative. You can balance it with constructive language that frames best practices or preferred actions: “Use strong, precise pronouns to maintain clarity” could complement or replace “Avoid unclear pronouns.” This approach combines advice on what not to do with proactive recommendations. In more narrative or expository writing, place “avoid” where it cleanly underscores potential risks. For instance, “The company avoided major losses by restructuring early,” which clarifies both the action taken and the outcome. Align your usage with the seriousness and purpose of the text, and your readers will appreciate the clear, direct guidance.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “avoid” is a straightforward way to talk about things you’d rather not do, whether that’s skipping a stressful event or sidestepping awkward small talk. You might say, “I’m trying to avoid drama right now,” letting friends know you don’t want unnecessary conflict. In day-to-day scheduling, “avoid” can help shape your routine: “Let’s leave early to avoid traffic.” Such phrasing underlines your desire to plan around common inconveniences or potential hassles.When chatting with close friends, swapping in slightly lighter phrases—“steer clear of” or “try not to”—can come off friendlier than a direct command. For example, “Let’s steer clear of that restaurant—it’s always packed,” still conveys your preference without sounding too rigid. You can also bring humor into the mix by exaggerating: “I’ll avoid that place like the plague!” to dramatize a dislike. In short, “avoid” keeps things simple and direct, especially for everyday advice, tips, or heads-up. If you notice yourself repeating the word, just sprinkle in a synonym or rephrase to keep the conversation breezy and engaging.
Etymology
The verb “avoid” originates from Middle English “avoyden,” which itself evolved from Old French “esvuidier,” meaning “to empty out” or “to clear out.” Historically, these terms pointed to the act of removing or distancing oneself from something objectionable. As English evolved, “avoid” gradually took on a broader, more general sense of steering clear of challenges, dangers, or undesirable outcomes. Early legal and administrative documents used variations of “avoid” in formal contexts, emphasizing the need to nullify or invalidate certain decisions or orders. Over time, the word’s usage expanded beyond legal and physical distancing to include more abstract or psychological contexts—like avoiding arguments or unnecessary stress. Today, we use “avoid” across a wide spectrum: from routine tips about evading traffic or staying away from sweets, to serious discussions about escaping hazards. This historical progression from physically removing something to intentionally choosing not to engage underscores the English language’s adaptive nature and the perpetual human tendency to steer clear of trouble.
