avert

Definition

To turn aside or away.

Etymology

From Middle English averten, adverten, from Old French avertir (“turn, direct, avert; turn the attention, make aware”), from Latin āvertere, from ad + vertō (“to turn”).

Example Sentences

• "I averted my eyes while my friend typed in her password."
• "When atheists and profane persons do hear of so many discordant and contrary opinions in religion, it doth avert them from the church."
• "How can the danger be averted?"