Attempt and Prevention

to offer a particular price for something, usually at an auction

He decided to bid $500 for the painting at the auction.

to try extremely hard and do everything that one is capable of in order to succeed in something

He had been moving heaven and earth for six weeks in order to prevent the film being made; and he had failed.

to strain or expend excessive physical or mental effort beyond one's capacity

After the intense workout, he began to feel lightheaded, realizing he had overexerted himself at the gym.

to leave quickly, often in order to escape or avoid someone or something

The thief made off after robbing the bank.

to move hurriedly, especially to escape or to leave a place abruptly

When the fire alarm sounded, the students had to scram out of the building in an orderly manner.

to avoid or neglect one's responsibilities, often by finding ways to escape from them

Instead of completing the assigned project, he tends to shirk his responsibilities by procrastinating and avoiding the necessary work.

to avoid or bypass a problem, question, or responsibility by addressing it indirectly or by taking a different approach

During the interview, the politician attempted to sidestep controversial questions by redirecting the conversation to unrelated topics.

to deliberately avoid, ignore, or keep away from someone or something

The celebrity chose to shun the limelight for a while, seeking privacy away from the public eye.

to avoid a thing or doing something on purpose

Health-conscious individuals often eschew sugary beverages in favor of water or herbal tea.

to secretly flee from a place, typically to avoid arrest or prosecution

The prisoner managed to abscond from the maximum-security prison.

to run away hastily, often in a disorderly or hurried manner

When they heard the loud noise, the startled animals began to skedaddle into the safety of the nearby forest.

to depart suddenly or unexpectedly

The business executives chose to decamp from the downtown office to a more cost-effective location in the suburbs.

to create obstacles or difficulties that prevent progress, movement, or success

The heavy rain hindered our plans for a picnic.

to stop something from happening by acting ahead of time

She took painkillers to forestall a migraine.

to repel or avoid an attack or undesirable situation

The use of insect repellent helps ward off mosquitoes and reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases.

to begin a journey or depart from a place

We'll need to head off early in the morning to avoid traffic.

to delay the occurrence of something undesirable or threatening

Adequate sleep and a healthy diet can help stave off fatigue and improve overall well-being

to evade an obligation, question, or problem by means of excuses or dishonesty

Many companies circumvent their environmental responsibilities by outsourcing to suppliers in other countries.

a highway or route built to divert traffic around a town or city center

The new bypass reduced congestion in the downtown area.

to make someone or something unconscious

The anesthesia will knock you out before the surgery.