avert

[əˈvɜːt]

avert Definition

• 1. to prevent something bad or dangerous from happening
• 2. to turn away or aside

Using avert: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "avert" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He managed to avert a disaster.

• Example

  She averted her gaze from the accident scene.

• Example

  The government took measures to avert an economic crisis.

avert Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for avert

• prevent
• avoid
• deter
• stop
• ward off

Antonyms for avert

• cause
• provoke
• trigger

Phrases with avert

• avert one's eyes

  to look away from something unpleasant or embarrassing

  Example

  She averted her eyes when he started undressing in front of her.

• avert a crisis

  to take action to prevent a crisis from happening or worsening

  Example

  The company's CEO managed to avert a crisis by making some strategic decisions.

• avert disaster

  to prevent a disastrous event from happening

  Example

  The pilot's quick thinking averted disaster and saved the lives of all passengers on board.

Origins of avert

from Old French 'avertir', meaning 'to warn'

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Summary: avert in Brief

To 'avert' [əˈvɜːt] means to prevent something bad or dangerous from happening, or to turn away or aside. Examples include 'He managed to avert a disaster,' and 'She averted her gaze from the accident scene.' Phrases like 'avert one's eyes' and 'avert disaster' use 'avert' to denote looking away or preventing a disastrous event, respectively.