avoid
Translation
to evade, to shun, to prevent
Examples
You should avoid eating junk food.
You should avoid eating junk food.
He tried to avoid the question.
He tried to avoid the question.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to keep away from (sth.) He tried to avoid the question.
((-ing)) to keep from doing (sth.) You should avoid eating junk food.
Similar Words
Synonyms: evade, shun, prevent; Antonyms: confront, face, seek
Etymology
From Old French 'esvuidier' (to empty out), from 'es-' (out) + 'vuidier' (to be empty). Think of it as making a space 'void' or empty by moving away from it.
Memory Tips
Picture a big 'VOID' sign on something dangerous. Your natural reaction is to 'avoid' it.