keep away from, abstain from, flee from, shrink from, escape from, evade, shun, elude, malinger, dodge, give one the slip, draw back, hold off, edge off, go off, turn aside, recoil from, keep at arm's length, desist, withdraw, stay off, stay back, stay away, stay out of, shirk, let alone, keep out of the way, keep clear of, keep oneself aloof, hold oneself aloof from, keep at a respectful distance, let well enough alone, avert the eyes, keep in the background, keep one's distance, refrain from, bypass, circumvent, sidestep, skirt, give a wide berth, steer clear of*, lay off*, pass up*, shake off*, fight shy of*, duck*. *See syn. study at escape.

Antonyms face*, meet*, undertake.