Adolescence /ˌæd

vital /ˈvaɪ.t ə l/ /-t ̬ ə l/ adjective IMPORTANT
1. necessary for the success or continued existence of something; extremely important
A strong opposition is vital to a healthy democracy.
She had found out some information of vital importance .
The kidney plays a vital role/part in the removal of waste products from the blood.
[ + that ] It's absolutely vital that you do exactly as I say.
[ + to infinitive ] It is vital to get medical supplies to the area as soon as possible.
vital /ˈvaɪ.t ə l/ /-t ̬ ə l/ adjective LIVELY
2. formal approving energetic
He had never felt so vital and full of life.
3. formal relating to life
avoid /əˈvɔɪd/ verb [ T ]
to stay away from someone or something, or prevent something from happening or not allow yourself to do something
I try to avoid supermarkets on Saturdays - they're always so busy.
[ + -ing verb ] I try to avoid go ing shopping on Saturdays.
The report studiously avoided any mention of the controversial plan.
The plane narrowly avoided disaster when one of the engines cut out on take-off.
I left the pub to avoid a fight (= prevent a fight from happening) .
Unnecessary paperwork should be avoided (= prevented) at all costs .
I'm anxious to avoid the motorway at rush hour.
Do you think Tim's avoiding me? I haven't seen him all day.
counteract /ˌkaʊn.təˈrækt/ /-t ̬ɚ.ækt/ verb [ T ]
to reduce or remove the effect of something unwanted by producing an opposite effect
Drinking a lot of water counteracts the dehydrating effects of hot weather.
curb /kɜːb/ /kɝːb/ verb [ T ]
to control or limit something that is not wanted
The Government should act to curb tax evasion.