avert

[ uh-vurt ]
See synonyms for: avertavertedavertingavertible on Thesaurus.com

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.

Origin of avert

1
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”

Other words from avert

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

Words Nearby avert

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use avert in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for avert

avert

/ (əˈvɜːt) /


verb(tr)
  1. to turn away or aside: to avert one's gaze

  2. to ward off; prevent from occurring: to avert danger

Origin of avert

1
C15: from Old French avertir, from Latin āvertere; see averse

Derived forms of avert

  • avertible or avertable, adjective

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