Avoid (verb)

1. To keep away from; to stay clear of.
2. To refrain from doing something.
3. To prevent from happening.

Origin:

Late middle english, from old french eviter, from latin evitare, from e- + vitare to avoid, from vitium defect, vice.

Examples:

1. He avoided eye contact.
2. I'm going to avoid eating sugar.
3. They avoided a confrontation.
4. She avoided answering the question.
5. He avoided making a commitment.