Real Dictionary

avoid
verb: If you avoid doing something, you choose not to do it, or you put yourself in a situation where you do not have to do it.
verb: If you avoid something unpleasant that might happen, you take action in order to prevent it from happening.

avoid in American English
to make void; annul, invalidate, or quash (a plea, etc. in law)
transitive verb: to keep away from; keep clear of; shun

avoid in British English
to keep out of the way of