avoid

verb

1. 1

   stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

   Her former friends now avoid her

2. 2

   refrain from certain foods or beverages

   I keep off drugs

   During Ramadan, Muslims avoid tobacco during the day

3. 3

   prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening

   Let's avoid a confrontation

   head off a confrontation

4. 4

   refrain from doing something

   She refrains from calling her therapist too often

   He should avoid publishing his wife's memories

5. 5

   declare invalid

   The contract was annulled

   void a plea