avert

verb

ə-ˈvərt 

averted; averting; averts

transitive verb

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

2

: to see coming and ward off : avoid

avert disaster

Synonyms of avert

• prevent

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

The arson attacks highlight a surge in settler violence, mounting criticism of Netanyahu’s government and global calls — including from the Vatican — to protect holy sites and avert wider conflict. — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026

The studies, and lack of follow-through, raise the issue about what could have averted the still-climbing death toll, and what steps need to be taken to prepare for an inevitable next earthquake. — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

However, the mom-of-four—known during her Spice Girls heyday as Posh Spice—was able to avert a potential bridal emergency by tapping her own closet. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 20 July 2026

The long-term care industry says not every clash can be averted. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing avert

• avert one's eyes

Rhymes for avert

• alert
• assert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• exert
• inert
• insert
• invert
• nightshirt
• overt
• revert

Kids Definition

avert

verb

ə-ˈvərt 

1

: to turn away

avert one's eyes

2

: to keep from happening

averted an accident