(linguistics) a special restricted speech style in certain languages used to refer to taboo subjects, or as a sign of respect in the presence of certain people, while doing certain activities, following a death, etc., distinguished by a specialized lexicon.

(finance) That counters the avoidance of paying tax.

(psychiatry) Exhibiting one of the four subtypes of avoidant personality disorder as defined by the American psychiatrist Theodore Millon. Includes features of paranoid personality disorder

(simile) To evade or shun, if at all possible.

simple past tense and past participle of avoid like the plague.

present participle of avoid like the plague.

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of avoid like the plague

plural of avoidant personality disorder

(psychiatry) A personality disorder characterized by an irrational fear of rejection and anxiety in social situations.

(psychiatry) Exhibiting one of the four subtypes of avoidant personality disorder as defined by the American psychiatrist Theodore Millon. Includes features of depressive personality disorder