averted; averting; averts
1
: to turn away or aside (the eyes, one's gaze, etc.) in avoidance
I found the sight so grotesque that I had to avert my eyes …—
John Gregory Dunne
John Gregory Dunne2
: to see coming and ward off : avoid
avert disaster
Examples of avert in a Sentence
He sped up and averted an accident.
The diplomatic talks narrowly averted a war.
an attempt to avert a strike at the plant
Recent Examples on the Web
CNN‘s reporting of a statement issued by the country’s Supreme National Security Council, declaring victory and averting the president’s threat to launch attacks on civilian infrastructure.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
The proposals appear to be part of a last-ditch attempt by energy-rich Oman, which has previously mediated between Washington and Tehran, to avert a broader escalation of the war.
—Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
On April 2, Judge Lewis Liman in New York mostly granted — and in part denied — Baldoni and his codefendants' motion for summary judgment, a bid to avert a trial set to begin May 18.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
After amassing 105 points, the sixth-best point total in the NHL last year that tied a single-season franchise record, the Kings are seeking to avert a similar fall from grace.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for avert
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Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
The proposals appear to be part of a last-ditch attempt by energy-rich Oman, which has previously mediated between Washington and Tehran, to avert a broader escalation of the war.
—Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
On April 2, Judge Lewis Liman in New York mostly granted — and in part denied — Baldoni and his codefendants' motion for summary judgment, a bid to avert a trial set to begin May 18.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
After amassing 105 points, the sixth-best point total in the NHL last year that tied a single-season franchise record, the Kings are seeking to avert a similar fall from grace.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for avert
Cite this Entry
“Avert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avert. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
avert
verb1
: to turn away
avert one's eyes
2
: to keep from happening
averted an accident
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