Averting: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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 ‘to turn aside’.

Psychology

• Averting one’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.

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.

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• 23330 averting
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