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

Other Word Forms

• averter noun
• avertible adjective
• avertable 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

Tinubu said that more personnel would be deployed to "vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping".

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Aimed at averting all-out trade war, the deal agreed on a 15-percent US levy for most EU exports -- but both sides continue to push for more concessions.

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The Paris climate agreement signed in 2015 has the goal of limiting average global temperature rise to well below 2C and to strive for 1.5C to avert drastic climate change.

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Businesses hailed the deal as averting potential disaster for the export-driven Swiss economy.

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I avert my eyes, open my hand, and trace the pattern on the inside of my palm—two stylized hearts, one atop the other, locked in an eternal headbutting competition.

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Related Words

• avoid 
• deter 
• fend off www.thesaurus.com
• foil 
• forestall 
• halt 
• preclude 
• prevent 
• rule out