avoid

UK:*UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/əˈvɔɪd/US:USA pronunciation: IPA and respellingUSA pronunciation: IPA/əˈvɔɪd/ ,USA pronunciation: respelling(ə void)

WordReference Collins English Usage © 2025
avoid
If you avoid something, you take action to prevent it from happening to you.
We learned how to avoid a heart attack.
The bus swerved to avoid a collision.
If you avoid doing something, you make sure that you don't do it.
Thomas turned his head, trying to avoid breathing in the smoke.
You must avoid giving any unnecessary information.
Be careful
Don't say that you ‘avoid to do’ something.
Be careful
If you can't control or change the way you behave, don't say that you ‘can’t avoid' it. You say that you can't help it or that you can't help yourself.
It was so funny, I couldn't help laughing.
You know what his temper's like, he just can't help himself.
Be careful
If someone does not allow you to do what you want to do, don't say that they ‘avoid’ you doing it. You say that they prevent you from doing it.
I wanted to prevent him from speaking.
'avoid' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):

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