Synonyms of avoid

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