avert

verb

ə-ˈvərt How to pronounce avert (audio)
averted; averting; averts
Synonyms of avert

transitive verb

1
: to turn away or aside (the eyes, one's gaze, etc.) in avoidance
I found the sight so grotesque that I had to avert my eyes …—John Gregory Dunne
2
: to see coming and ward off : avoid
avert disaster

Synonyms of avert

Relevance
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Examples of avert in a Sentence

He sped up and averted an accident. The diplomatic talks narrowly averted a war. an attempt to avert a strike at the plant
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, speaking up is not just about averting disorder, but about establishing a different civic order. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026 But that crisis was averted on Sunday, as Hafley and the Dolphins picked up their first win of the 2026 NFL season against the New York Jets, 28-25, at MetLife Stadium. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Tension on the Korean Peninsula is once again ratcheting up, with calls for immediate talks between North and South Korea to avert an accidental military confrontation. — Anna Coren, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 However, what could have been a potentially embarrassing crisis was averted, as Kate was later filmed standing up without any issues with her gown. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for avert

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French avertir, from Latin avertere, from ab- + vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use

circa 1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of avert was circa 1563

Phrases Containing avert

Rhymes for avert

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Browse Nearby Words

aversive
avert
Avertin
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Cite this Entry

“Avert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avert. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

avert

verb
ə-ˈvərt How to pronounce avert (audio)
1
: to turn away
avert one's eyes
2
: to keep from happening
averted an accident
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