Word
avert
US/əˈvɝt/
UK/ɐvˈɜːt/
Definitions
01to prevent something bad
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to stop something bad or dangerous from happening.
v. to ward off or prevent the occurrence of a disaster, crisis, or other negative event.
“The pilot's quick thinking helped to avert a serious accident on the runway.”
“Diplomatic efforts were intensified in a final attempt to avert a full-scale trade war between the two nations.”
02to turn eyes away
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to turn your eyes or your look away from something you do not want to see.
v. to turn away one's eyes or thoughts from a specific object or direction.
“She had to avert her gaze when the movie became too violent.”
“He averted his eyes from the bright glare of the sun reflecting off the glass building.”
Synonyms
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Often used with 'eyes', 'gaze', or abstract nouns like 'disaster', 'crisis', or 'catastrophe'.
Real-World Examples
“The United States and Canada have reached a deal to avert steep tariffs on billions of dollars of Canadian goods, US President Donald Trump has announced.” “They stared into the abyss last year, averting relegation on the final day, and have so much to improve.” Etymology
From Middle English averten, adverten, from Old French avertir (“turn, direct, avert; turn the attention, make aware”), from Latin āvertere, from ad + vertō (“to turn”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/avert