avoid in WordNet English dictionary

1. declare invalid
   "The contract was annulled"; "void a plea"
   invalidate  annul  quash  void  avoid  nullify 
   
2. prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
   "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"
   debar  forefend  forfend  obviate  deflect  avert  head off  stave off  fend off  avoid  ward off 
   
3. stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
   "Her former friends now avoid her"
   avoid 
   
4. refrain from certain foods or beverages
   "I keep off drugs"; "During Ramadan, Muslims avoid tobacco during the day"
   keep off  avoid 
   
5. refrain from doing something
   "She refrains from calling her therapist too often"; "He should avoid publishing his wife's memories"
   avoid