avoid

(verb) stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something. Examples: "Her former friends now avoid her."

(verb) prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening. Synonyms: debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, ward off. Examples: "Let's avoid a confrontation." "Head off a confrontation." "Avert a strike."

(verb) refrain from doing something. Examples: "She refrains from calling her therapist too often." "He should avoid publishing his wife's memories."

(verb) refrain from certain foods or beverages. Synonyms: keep off. Examples: "I keep off drugs." "During ramadan, muslims avoid tobacco during the day."

(verb) declare invalid. Synonyms: invalidate, annul, quash, void, nullify. Examples: "The contract was annulled." "Void a plea."