definition of
avoid

[1] #1 avoid v. stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something; "Her former friends now avoid her". wn

[2] #2 avoid v. [debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, ward off] prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike". wn

[3] #3 avoid v. refrain from doing something; "She refrains from calling her therapist too often"; "He should avoid publishing his wife's memories". wn

[4] #4 avoid v. [keep off] refrain from certain foods or beverages; "I keep off drugs"; "During Ramadan, Muslims avoid tobacco during the day". wn

[5] #5 avoid v. [invalidate, annul, quash, void, nullify] declare invalid; "The contract was annulled"; "void a plea". wn