avert meaning and definition

AVERT verb

Definition of avert (verb)

1. prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
   • "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"
   • synonyms: avoid, debar, deflect, fend off, forefend, forfend, head off, obviate, stave off, ward off
2. turn away or aside
   • "They averted their eyes when the King entered"
   • synonyms: turn away