avert

/əˈvɜːrt/

Definitions

1. verb

to turn or turn away from something

“The driver averted her eyes from the accident scene.”

2. verb

to prevent or avoid something

“The company tried to avert the financial crisis by cutting costs.”

3. noun

the act of turning or turning away from something

“The avert of her gaze was a sign of shock.”

4. verb (archaic)

to ward off or defend against something

“The knight averted the attack with his shield.”

Synonyms

  • avoid
  • deflect
  • prevent

Antonyms

  • encounter
  • face