Main Entry:

avert

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈvərt\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Middle French avertir, from Latin avertere, from ab- + vertere to turn — more at worth

Date:

15th century

1 : to turn away or aside (as the eyes) in avoidance 2 : to see coming and ward off : avoid <avert disaster>