To try not to do something or to have something happen
To stay out of the way of (something harmful).
to keep away from; to keep clear of; to stay away from
To try not to meet or communicate with (a person); to shun
To make void, to annul; to refute (especially a contract).
To defeat or evade; to invalidate.
To take a customary action to ward off some misfortune that is believed to be attracted by a presumptuous statement.
Hopefully; a self-directive to undertake the customary action to ward off bad luck.