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

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.
Several guests have also indicated that phones were not allowed inside the arena, which may have also been in an attempt to avert leaks. Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 July 2026 When the tournament was launched in 1930, then-FIFA president Jules Rimet — a WWI veteran — envisioned it as a vehicle to bring nations together and avert future global conflicts. Vahe Gregorian july 4, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026 Estimates suggest that as a result of the implementation of these mandates, more than 200,000 COVID-19 cases were averted by May 22, 2020. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 The author's experience shows caution, though slower, averts problems, contrasting with industry's rapid deployments that often encounter issues. Shannon McKeen, Forbes.com, 29 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Avert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avert. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

avert

verb
1
: to turn away
avert one's eyes
2
: to keep from happening
averted an accident

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