to keep away from (something)
refrain or stay away from; prevent
Cases of word usage
1) the use of (especially) a pronoun to avoid repetition of a noun or phrase e.g. 'it' in 'I found a cheap camera and I bought it' (anaphora)
2) the act of paying attention (to avoid danger or making mistakes) (caution)
3) the same (used in lists to avoid writing words again) (ditto)
4) a quick movement to avoid something (dodge)
5) to avoid (something) (eschew)
6) the process of avoiding something; an act, statement, excuse etc used to avoid something (evasion)
7) to leave a rented home etc secretly and quickly at night to avoid debts (flit)
8) with great care to avoid causing anger or harm, making a noise etc (gingerly)
9) a drug dependent person, pretending to be against war but actually thus finding reason to drink a lot and avoid any work; very lazy person; hipster (hippie)
10) in a direction away from a shore or land; at a short way out to sea; (of a person, company) trying to hide money or avoid paying taxes (offshore)