avoid
[ə'vɔɪd] verb transitive
ESSENTIAL
■to stay away from someone or something, or prevent something from happening or not allow yourself to do something 避开；避免，防止；逃避•I try to avoid supermarkets on Saturdays - they're always so busy.我尽量不在周六去超级市场——那时总是人特别多。 •[+ -ing verb] I try to avoid going shopping on Saturdays.我尽量不在周六去购物。 •The report studiously avoided any mention of the controversial plan.这份报告有意避而不谈那个有争议的计划。 •The plane narrowly avoided disaster when one of the engines cut out on take-off.飞机起飞时有一个引擎熄火，差点酿成重大事故。 •I left the pub to avoid a fight (= prevent a fight from happening).我不想动手打架，就离开了酒吧。 •Unnecessary paperwork should be avoided (= prevented) at all costs.应该尽可能避免不必要的文书工作。 •I'm anxious to avoid the motorway at rush hour.在交通高峰时段，我对高速公路唯恐避之不及。 •Do you think Tim's avoiding me? I haven't seen him all day.你认为蒂姆是不是在躲着我啊？我一整天都没见到他。
[ə'vɔɪd] verb transitive
avoid sth like the plague
■to be determined to avoid something completely 像避瘟疫一样躲避；坚决避开•I'm not a fan of parties - in fact I avoid them like the plague.我对派对不感兴趣——实际上，我害怕派对如同害怕瘟神。
[ə'vɔɪd] verb transitive
Common Learner Errors avoid or prevent?Warning: choose the correct verb!To talk about not allowing someone else to do something, don't say 'avoid', say prevent :
✗ My parents tried to avoid me seeing him.My parents tried to prevent me seeing him. |