Meaning & Definition of word "Avert"

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.