Learn the meaning, usage and pronunciation of the verb avoid , which means to keep away from something unpleasant or harmful, or to prevent something from happening. Find synonyms, related words, law terms and quizzes on avoid . avoid meaning, definition, what is avoid : to prevent something bad from happening: Learn more. avoid (third-person singular simple present avoids, present participle avoiding, simple past and past participle avoided) (transitive) To try not to meet or communicate with (a person); to shun. (transitive) To stay out of the way of (something harmful). Avoid definition: to keep away from; keep clear of; shun.. See examples of AVOID used in a sentence.