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

• avertible adjective
• averter noun
• 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

The trade war was quickly averted after some frantic negotiations, but the crisis set the tone of things to come.

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Other good news for investors: National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said the government shutdown could end this week, raising hopes that a long, economically damaging stoppage could be averted.

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The government has also followed through on Vought’s earlier threat to fire a massive number of civil servants if the shutdown were not averted.

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Petro at first vowed retaliatory tariffs but backed down and agreed to accept the migrants to avert a trade war.

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Some thought that to avert this Milei might have to let the currency devalue drastically – which would lead to a spike in prices as people's money would suddenly be worth less.

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Related Words

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