vermeiden
Translation
to avoid, to prevent
Examples
Du vermeidest den Blickkontakt.
You are avoiding eye contact.
Warum vermeidest du dieses Thema?
Why are you avoiding this topic?
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to avoid sth. He avoids mistakes.
(es), ((to do sth.)) to avoid doing sth. She avoids calling him.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ausweichen, umgehen; Antonyms: aufsuchen (to seek out), konfrontieren (to confront)
Etymology
From the prefix 'ver-' and 'meiden', which means 'to shun' or 'to avoid'. The prefix often intensifies the meaning.
Memory Tips
Think of 'meiden' as being similar to the English 'shun'. The 'ver-' prefix strengthens this idea of shunning something completely.