avoid
Translation
to keep away from, to prevent
Examples
You should avoid fatty foods.
You should avoid fatty foods.
He tries to avoid driving in the city.
He tries to avoid driving in the city.
Grammar Patterns
((sth./sb.)) to keep away from (sth./sb.) You should avoid fatty foods.
((-ing)) to keep from doing (sth.) He tries to avoid driving in the city.
Similar Words
Synonyms: evade, shun, elude; Antonyms: confront, face, seek
Etymology
From Old French 'esvuidier' (to empty out), from 'es-' (out) + 'vuidier' (to be empty). The sense shifted to 'get away from'.
Memory Tips
Think of moving 'a-void' or towards a void (an empty space) to get away from something.