evitar
|e-vi-tar|
/eβiˈtaɾ/
to keep away / prevent
Etymology
'evitar' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'vitare', where the root meant 'to shun, avoid'.
'evitar' changed from the Vulgar/Latin root 'vitare' (with prothetic e- development in Romance) and through Old Spanish forms became the modern Spanish verb 'evitar'.
Initially, it meant 'to shun or keep away from', and over time it has kept that core sense while also extending to 'prevent' or 'refrain from' in certain contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to keep away from or stay clear of something or someone; to refrain from encountering or doing.
Trato de evitar el tráfico saliendo temprano.
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Verb 2
to prevent or keep something from happening (often by taking precautions).
Vacunarse ayuda a evitar enfermedades graves.
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Last updated: 2025/11/11 23:58