vermeiden
Translation
to avoid, to prevent, to shun
Examples
Wir haben einen Streit vermieden.
We avoided an argument.
Er vermied es, sie anzusehen.
He avoided looking at her.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to avoid sth. We must avoid mistakes.
((es zu tun)) to avoid doing sth. He avoided giving an answer.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ausweichen, umgehen; Antonyms: aufsuchen, konfrontieren
Etymology
Composed of the prefix 'ver-' (away, amiss) and 'meiden' (to avoid). Literally 'to avoid away'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'meiden' as 'to shun'. The 'ver-' prefix often indicates something going away or being done thoroughly. So, to thoroughly shun something.