Meaning & Definition of Avert in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To prevent something bad or harmful from happening.

  Example Sentence: The measures were put in place to avert a disaster.

• Definition: To turn away (one's eyes or thoughts).

  Example Sentence: She averted her gaze from the shocking scene.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'avertir', from Latin 'advertire' meaning to 'turn to' or 'turn away'.

Synonyms

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.

Translations

• Spanish: evitar

• French: éviter

• German: verhindern

• Russian: отвратить

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.