avoid

transitive verb

1. : to make void or undo : annul the trustee may avoid 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 avoided —U.S. Code — see also confession and avoidance — compare deny

3. : to prevent the occurrence of or responsibility for especially through lawful means avoid a tax — compare evade