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term:
Avoid
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avoid vt
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[modification of Old French esvuider to destroy, literally, to empty, from es- out + vuider to empty]
1 : to make void or undo
: annul [the trustee may any transfer of interest of the debtor in property "U.S. Code"]
2 : to respond to (an allegation or averment) by declaring that facts alleged do not result in liability [averments in a pleading to which no responsive pleading is required or permitted shall be taken as denied or ed "Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 8(d)"] see also confession and avoidance compare deny
3 : to prevent the occurrence of or responsibility for esp. through lawful means [ a tax] compare evade
avoid·abil·i·ty n
avoid·able adj
avoid·ance n
Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.