Verb
/əˈvɔɪd/
The word "avoid" comes from the Middle English word "avoyden," which itself is derived from the Old French "avoiier" meaning "to turn away, reject, or escape," and ultimately from Latin "ab" (away) + "videre" (to see). The term first appeared in English in the 14th century with the meaning of "to turn away" or "to refrain from."
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| French | Éviter | /evite/ |
| Spanish | Evitar | /eˈβi̯taɾ/ |
| German | Vermeiden | /fɛʁˈmaɪdn̩/ |
| Italian | Evitare | /eviˈtaːre/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 避免 (Bìmiǎn) | /ˈbiːmjɛn/ |
| Arabic | تجنب (Tajannub) | /taˈd͡ʒannub/ |
| Russian | Избегать (Izbegat') | /ɪzʲbʲɪˈɡatʲ/ |
| Hindi | बचना (Bachna) | /ˈbətʃːnɑː/ |
| Japanese | 避ける (Sakeru) | /sakeɾu/ |
| Portuguese | Evitar | /evitaɾ/ |
| Turkish | Kaçınmak | /kaˈt͡ʃɯnmak/ |
| Bengali | বাঁচানো (Bachano) | /ˈbaːʧːɑːnɔ/ |
The word "avoid" has been in use in English since the 14th century, originally meaning "to turn away from" or "to refrain from." It has evolved over the centuries to include meanings related to evading or steering clear of both physical and abstract concepts such as danger, trouble, or responsibility. The use of "avoid" in modern English encompasses both conscious action and passive exclusion from situations or responsibilities.
The concept of avoidance is often culturally significant in contexts related to diplomacy, conflict resolution, and etiquette. In many cultures, avoiding direct confrontation is seen as a way to maintain harmony and respect. However, excessive avoidance can also be viewed negatively, as a form of cowardice or evasion of responsibility. In modern psychology, avoidance behaviors are studied in relation to anxiety disorders, where individuals may avoid situations that trigger fear or discomfort.
Avoidance is a common human behavior that occurs in various contexts, from simple daily choices to complex psychological responses. In everyday use, to "avoid" is often to sidestep unpleasant or challenging experiences. In psychological terms, avoidance is a coping mechanism often used to reduce anxiety or stress, but it can also lead to negative outcomes, such as phobias or social isolation. Understanding the dynamics of avoidance can help in contexts ranging from personal development to therapeutic interventions for individuals dealing with avoidance-related disorders.