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

Derived Forms

• aˈvertible, adjective

Other Words From

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

“I did go on social media, but I’ve averted a doomscroll.”

From Los Angeles Times

Researchers found that because the screening programme stopped TB circulating so widely in the city, in the following five years an estimated 4,599 cases were averted, saving countless lives.

From BBC

Before doing so he recommended that those who feared being offended avert their eyes.

From BBC

Rather than being for personal absolution, voting is a tool in the political toolbox — if the goal is to avert the worst and improve the chances for constructing a future worthy of humanity.

From Salon

“Every fraction of a degree matters to avert the worst impacts of climate change and prevent a future where devastating hurricanes like Milton are the norm,” she added.

From BBC

Related Words

• avoid
• deter
• fend off
• foil
• forestall
• halt
• preclude
• prevent
• rule out
• ward off