avert
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to turn away or aside.
to avert one's eyes.
-
to ward off; prevent.
to avert evil;
to avert an accident.
verb
-
to turn away or aside
to avert one's gaze
-
to ward off; prevent from occurring
to avert danger
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of avert
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”
Explanation
To avert is to turn away or to prevent. You might avert your gaze or avert a disaster — either way, you are avoiding something. The verb avert comes from Latin roots that mean "to turn away from." Averting has that sense of deflecting, turning away, or preventing something (usually bad) from happening. You might put salt on an icy sidewalk to avert accidents, or you might avert a toddler's meltdown by supplying a lollipop.
Vocabulary lists containing avert
Of Mice and Men
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Of Mice and Men"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A $500 million rescue from a group of investors led by Delta helped it avert bankruptcy, installing veterans from the commercial airline giant on the board and in the executive ranks.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026
Last November, UC reached contract agreements to avert strikes by 21,000 healthcare, research and technical professionals in the University Professional and Technical Employees union and 25,000 members of the California Nurses Association.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026
Lebanese officials hope the talks result in a ceasefire and the disarmament of Hezbollah, as well as avert a renewed, long-term Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
Iran's ambassador to Kuwait urged Gulf states to find a way to avert a "tragedy" as the clock ticked down on Trump's deadline.
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
They lowered their eyes to avert Tenorio’s gaze and scurried for the door.
From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
