Definitions of avoid:

• verb:   refrain from doing something

  Example: "He should avoid publishing his wife's memoires"

• verb:   stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

  Example: "Her former friends now avoid her"

• verb:   refrain from certain foods or beverages

  Example: "During Ramadan, Muslims avoid tobacco during the day"

• verb:   declare invalid
• verb:   prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening

  Example: "Let's avoid a confrontation"