avert
Americanverb (used with object)
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to turn away or aside.
to avert one's eyes.
-
to ward off; prevent.
to avert evil;
to avert an accident.
verb
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to turn away or aside
to avert one's gaze
-
to ward off; prevent from occurring
to avert danger
Other Word Forms
- avertable adjective
- averter noun
- avertible adjective
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”
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.
Attempting to avert financial failure, the private water company’s board now plans to start charging people a new “fire recovery fee” of about $3,000 over the next five years, or about $50 a month.
From Los Angeles Times
The agreement is intended to give lawmakers more time to address Democratic demands to curb ICE tactics while averting a partial government shutdown.
From Los Angeles Times
Strategists anticipate de-escalation, with Gulf leaders promoting diplomacy to avert conflict, as a war could significantly damage the global economy.
From Barron's
Strategists anticipate de-escalation, with Gulf leaders promoting diplomacy to avert conflict, as a war could significantly damage the global economy.
From Barron's
At a press conference with his Turkish counterpart after talks in Istanbul to avert US action, he said preparations were needed for "fair and just negotiations".
From BBC
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.
