What is the meaning of avoid?

verb

• Stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something.
  • usage: "Her former friends now avoid her"
• Prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening.
  • usage: "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"
  • synonyms: debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, ward off
• Refrain from doing something.
  • usage: "She refrains from calling her therapist too often"; "He should avoid publishing his wife's memories"
• Refrain from certain foods or beverages.
  • usage: "I keep off drugs"; "During Ramadan, Muslims avoid tobacco during the day"
  • synonyms: keep off
• Declare invalid.
  • usage: "The contract was annulled"; "void a plea"
  • synonyms: invalidate, annul, quash, void, nullify