avoid
Definitions
To keep away from or stop oneself from doing something
避免，避开
To prevent something bad from happening
防止，预防（坏事发生）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Old French esvuidier (a- + voide "empty") = to empty out, clear away. To avoid something is to clear it from your path — to keep your space empty of it. The "empty" idea is hidden inside the void.
Root vac still carries 31 more wordsWhy It Means This
Avoid is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive: avoid doing, never "avoid to do." This is a top error for Chinese learners. The word's "empty" origin (clearing a thing out of your way) explains why it pairs naturally with things you don't want around.
Usage Guide
Grammar trap: avoid + V-ing (avoid making mistakes), NEVER avoid + to do. Compare: avoid (stay away from), prevent (stop from happening), evade (escape by trickery), avert (turn away a danger).
Example Sentences
- 1.
Try to avoid driving during rush hour.
- 2.
She avoided eye contact throughout the meeting.
- 3.
Careful planning helped us avoid a major delay.
Easily Confused
avoid vs prevent vs evade — avoid = stay away from (avoid the crowd); prevent = stop something from happening (prevent an accident); evade = escape by cleverness, often duties or capture (evade taxes, evade arrest).