avert

[ uh-vurt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to turn away or aside:

   to avert one's eyes.

2. to ward off; prevent:

   to avert evil;

   to avert an accident.

avert

/ əˈvɜːt /

verb

1. to turn away or aside

   to avert one's gaze

2. to ward off; prevent from occurring

   to avert danger

Derived Forms

• aˈvertible, adjective

Other Words From

• a·vert·er noun
• a·vert·i·ble a·vert·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of avert¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French avertir, ultimately derived from Latin āvertere, equivalent to ā- a- ⁴ + vertere “to turn”

Word History and Origins

Origin of avert¹

C15: from Old French avertir, from Latin āvertere; see averse

Example Sentences

There is cautious optimism that this prompt action may have helped avert a broader outbreak.

From The Daily Beast

President Obama said Libya had to be attacked to avert a genocide in Benghazi.

From The Daily Beast

Sometimes, even before shots are fired, Interrupters can predict and avert crisis, according to Slutkin.

From The Daily Beast

And they believe in tougher sanctions precisely because they want to avert war.

From The Daily Beast

But over the next two months, watch them avoid making tough debt choices to avert another shutdown, says Peter Beinart.

From The Daily Beast

He and he alone, they imagined, could avert that dismemberment of which they could not bear to think.

From Project Gutenberg

Every rail and post was utilized for hitching, and Town-marshal Pease, his star displayed, patrolled the town to avert disorder.

From Project Gutenberg

Startled and wondering, David dared not long avert his eyes from the opposite bank.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides, he wanted them to warn the Apaches out of the neighborhood and thus avert from his head the vengeance of Manga Colorada.

From Project Gutenberg

I fear that any legal proceedings you may resort to will hardly avert the publicity you seem to fear.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• avoid
• deter
• fend off
• foil
• forestall
• halt
• preclude
• prevent
• rule out
• ward off