Vermijd

Vermijd is the second-person singular imperative form of the Dutch verb vermijden, meaning to avoid or refrain from. It is used to give a direct instruction or warning to someone addressed as "jij" or in informal context.

The verb vermijden is formed from the prefix ver- combined with mijden, which means to shun or avoid. The related noun vermijding denotes the act or process of avoiding. In Dutch, imperatives from this verb also appear in plural and polite forms, such as Vermijdt (you all should avoid) and Vermijdt u (formal address).

In usage, vermijd appears frequently in safety notices, guidelines, and everyday warnings. It typically introduces a direct object or a phrase describing what should be avoided. The tone is practical and unambiguous, aimed at preventing harm, discomfort, or undesirable outcomes.

Examples of use include: Vermijd contact met de huid. (Avoid contact with the skin.) Vermijd het nemen van deze medicijnen zonder overleg met een arts. (Avoid taking these medicines without consulting a doctor.) Vermijd dit pad bij nat weer. (Avoid this path in wet weather.) For formal or plural address, one may encounter Vermijdt u deze risico's alstublieft? or Vermijdt u graag deze stappen? indicating polite or collective instruction.

Translations into English range from "avoid!" as a direct command to "avoid" or "refrain from" in various contexts. Vermijd functions as a concise directive in safety-focused and instructional Dutch.