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
Chait narrowly averted a three-union strike in April with agreements that restored labor peace — but left critics questioning whether the school system could afford the pact, and whether Carvalho would have held out for a more affordable deal.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
This simple prevention step can avert a repeat infestation.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
This work, backed by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, aims to elevate early childhood development to a global priority, emphasizing that preventing the loss of vital connections in youth can avert the need for healing later in life.
—Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
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Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
This simple prevention step can avert a repeat infestation.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is paramount in averting wildfires during these perilous conditions.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
This work, backed by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, aims to elevate early childhood development to a global priority, emphasizing that preventing the loss of vital connections in youth can avert the need for healing later in life.
—Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 19 June 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 23 Jun. 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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