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.


 averting
      n 1: the act of preventing something from occurring; "averting
           danger was his responsibility"
      2: the act of turning yourself (or your gaze) away; "averting
         her gaze meant that she was angry" [syn: aversion]