A·vert v. t. [imp. & p. p. Averted; p. pr. & vb. n. Averting.] To turn aside, or away; as, to avert the eyes from an object; to ward off, or prevent, the occurrence or effects of; as, how can the danger be averted? “To avert his ire.”
When atheists and profane persons do hear of so many discordant and contrary opinions in religion, it doth avert them from the church. --Bacon.
Till ardent prayer averts the public woe. --Prior.
A·vert, v. i. To turn away. [Archaic]
Cold and averting from our neighbor's good. --Thomson.
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avert
v 1: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's
avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation";
"avert a strike" [syn: debar, obviate, deflect, head
off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off]
2: turn away or aside; "They averted their eyes when the King
entered" [syn: turn away]