a·void / əˈvoid/ • v. [tr.] 1. keep away from or stop oneself from doing (something): avoid excessive exposure to the sun. ∎  contrive not to meet (someone): boys lined up to meet Gloria, but avoided her bossy sister. ∎  (of a person or a route) not go to or through (a place): this route avoids downtown Boston. ∎  prevent from happening: make the necessary adjustments to avoid an accident.2. Law repudiate, nullify, or render void (a decree or contract).DERIVATIVES: a·void·a·ble adj.a·void·a·bly / -əblē/ adv.a·void·ance / əˈvoidns/ n.a·void·er n.

avoid †empty; †withdraw, retire; make void; leave alone, evade. XIV. —AN. avoider = (with prefix-substitution) OF. esvuidier (mod. évider hollow out, cut away), f. es- (:- EX-1) + vuide empty, VOID.
Hence avoidance XIV.