German word

meiden

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmaɪ̯dən/

Meaning

  • verbavoid

Example

Ich meide Konflikte.

I avoid conflicts.

Illustration for meiden (avoid)

More examples

Im Smalltalk meiden viele Leute Tabuthemen.

In small talk, many people avoid taboo topics.

Core concept

A conscious boundary keeps someone or something out of reach instead of allowing an unwanted encounter.

Common phrases

  • Tabuthemen meiden

    avoid taboo topics

  • intensive Diskussionen meiden

    avoid intense discussions

Similar words

vermeiden: Take steps beforehand to prevent an unwanted outcome.
ausweichen: Move aside to avoid physical contact or an obstacle.
ignorieren: Intentionally ignore someone's words or actions without reacting.
sich distanzieren: Create distance from a relationship or position.

Definition in German

meiden bedeutet, bewusst bestimmte Personen, Orte oder Ereignisse nicht aufzusuchen oder nicht in Kontakt zu treten, um unangenehme Situationen zu umgehen.

Word origin

The modern verb developed from Middle High German "mîden" and Old High German "meidan", both meaning to avoid or stay away from.

Usage tips

  • Meiden often sounds deliberate and firm; "vermeiden" is common when the focus is on preventing an unwanted outcome.

Other meanings

  • shunverb
  • keep away fromverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word