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Averting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšซ
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averting

[ษ™หˆvษœหrtษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

preventing danger

Averting refers to the act of preventing something undesirable from happening. It often involves taking measures to stop a negative outcome or to avoid a potential problem.

Synonyms

avoiding, preventing, stopping, warding off.

Examples of usage

  • She is averted from making poor financial choices.
  • The government is averted the crisis by implementing new policies.
  • He averted his eyes from the disturbing scene.
  • They are averted further conflict through negotiation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Averting oneโ€™s gaze can be a signal of discomfort or anxiety in social interactions.
  • In cognitive psychology, the act of averting attention from negative stimuli is linked to coping mechanisms.

Literature

  • Classical literature often depicts characters averting their eyes in moments of shame or sorrow, symbolizing emotional distress.
  • In Shakespeare's works, characters may avert their gaze as a way of denying reality or avoiding confrontation.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often avert their eyes in moments of tension, emphasizing fear or anticipation.
  • A popular trope involves characters who avert their gaze to avoid revealing their true feelings in romantic situations.

Science

  • Research indicates that humans often avert their gaze from threatening stimuli as a protective instinct.
  • In wildlife behavior, animals may avert their eyes as a sign of submission to avoid confrontation with predators.

Origin of 'averting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'averten', which means to turn away.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'avertere', meaning 'to turn away' or โ€˜to turn asideโ€™.

The term 'avert' is derived from the Latin word 'aversari,' which means 'to turn away.' This root reflects the essence of the termโ€”turning away from something to evade undesirable circumstances. The verb started appearing in Middle English in the 15th century, originally meaning to turn aside or turn away, and has maintained this core meaning through the centuries. Additionally, 'averting' serves as the present participle form, indicating an ongoing action of preventing or turning something away. This verb has increasingly been used in various contexts, from personal decisions to broader societal issues, highlighting its relevance in modern discourse.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,330, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.