Avert: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you want to stop something bad from happening by turning away or diverting it. Often used in formal contexts.

• The mayor's quick actions helped avert a financial disaster
• She tried to avert her gaze from his accusing eyes

Commonword used to describe stopping something from happening. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• Vaccinations can prevent many diseases
• The security measures are designed to prevent theft

Commonly used in everyday situations to describe keeping away from something or someone. Neutral connotation.

• He tries to avoid eating junk food
• She avoided discussing the controversial topic

Typically used to indicate discouraging someone from doing something through fear of consequences or difficulties. Can have a negative connotation depending on context.

• High fines are meant to deter people from parking illegally
• The threat of punishment did not deter him from his plans

Used in more formal or literary contexts to mean preventing something by taking action ahead of time.

• To forestall a crisis, the government implemented new policies
• He forestalled her questions by explaining everything in advance

Use when you want to prevent something bad from happening.

• The quick action of the firefighters helped to avert a major disaster
• He tried to avert suspicion by acting calmly

Use when you simply turn your eyes away from something, often used in situations where you do not want to see or deal with something.

• He couldn't look away from the horrifying accident
• Many people look away when they see someone in distress

Use when changing direction slightly, often when walking or moving, or metaphorically when changing the topic in conversation.

• As she walked down the street, she turned aside to avoid a large puddle
• He turned aside the question, not wanting to delve into personal matters

Use when you want to describe intentionally looking away from something, often out of embarrassment or to avoid seeing something unpleasant.

• She averted her gaze when she saw the couple arguing
• He averted his gaze to avoid seeing the gruesome scene