Meaning & Definition of word "Avert"
to
Avert
/əˈvɜːrt/
verb:
- 1. to turn away or aside (something); to prevent something from happening.
- Example: The quick action of the lifeguard helped to avert a drowning incident.
- 2. to prevent or ward off an undesirable occurrence.
- Example: She took precautions to avert any financial losses.
- 3. to avoid something by turning away.
- Example: He averted his gaze from the gruesome scene.
- 4. to keep away from; to keep something from happening.
- Example: Efforts were made to avert a potential crisis.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'avertir', from Latin 'advertire' meaning to 'turn to' or 'turn away'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
avert disaster:
To take action to prevent a disaster from occurring.
avert one's gaze:
To look away, especially to avoid something unpleasant.
avert a crisis:
To take steps to prevent a crisis from happening.
Related Words
prevent:
To stop something from happening.
avoid:
To keep away from or prevent from happening.
Slang Meanings of avert
Meaning: To dodge or evade responsibility.
Example Sentence: He tried to avert the blame by shifting it to someone else.
Meaning: To fake or feign ignorance of a situation.
Example Sentence: She averted her attention to avoid the topic.