Avoid Definition, Usage, and Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：evade (Avoid using electrical appliances, especially if the house is flooded)

Avoid using electrical appliances, especially if the house is flooded 🔊

/əˈvɔɪd/

To stay away from something or not do something to prevent harm or trouble.

evade 🔊

➕

/ɪˈveɪd/

To keep oneself away from someone or something; to refrain from doing something to prevent harm or trouble.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📖 Root Explanation

Root: 'a-' (away) + 'void' (empty), from Old French 'esvuidier' meaning to empty out.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'a-void' as 'a void' you step around to stay safe.

📖 Example

Avoid using electrical appliances, especially if the house is flooded. 🔊 Avoid using electrical appliances, especially if the house is flooded.

🔗 Collocations

avoid danger – to stay away from dangerous situations

avoid conflict – to keep away from disagreements or fights

avoid temptation – to resist the urge to do something unwise

🔄 Synonyms

shun (v.) – to deliberately stay away from someone or something

dodge (v.) – to avoid something by moving quickly aside

circumvent (v.) – to find a way around an obstacle or rule

🚫 Antonyms

seek (v.) – to try to find or obtain something

confront (v.) – to face or deal with a problem directly

🌱 Derivatives

avoidance (n.) – the act of staying away from something

avoidable (adj.) – able to be avoided

unavoidable (adj.) – not able to be avoided

📖 Cultural Story

Originated from Old French 'esvuidier' (to empty out), later evolving to 'keep away from'. Common in safety warnings and legal texts.