In the vicinity, avoiding a fight (4)
I believe the answer is:
bout
'fight' is the definition.
('bout' can be a synonym of 'fight')
'in the vicinity avoiding a' is the wordplay.
'in the vicinity' becomes 'about' ('about' can be a synonym of 'in the vicinity').
'avoiding' is a deletion indicator.
'about' with 'a' removed is 'BOUT'.
(Other definitions for bout that I've seen before include "Period of activity or boxing contest" , "Fit" , "wrestling match" , "Fight; instance of illness" , "Spell; contest" .)