avert

verb

ə-ˈvərt How to pronounce avert (audio)
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

Synonyms of avert

Relevance
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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.
Numerous governments across Central and Eastern Europe are taking steps to conserve electricity and avert an energy crisis as record low water levels on the Danube River have forced power plants to the brink of shutting down. — Justin Spike, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026 Even after a shutdown, the plant would continue to need large amounts of water to avert a nuclear accident. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026 The lack of a clear outcome meant both sides could claim success, averting escalation. — Erik Lin-Greenberg, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026 America’s greatest rival is single-handedly averting a global energy crisis. — Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 29 July 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

Phrases Containing avert

Rhymes for avert

See All Rhymes for avert

Browse Nearby Words

aversive
avert
Avertin
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Cite this Entry

“Avert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avert. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

avert

verb
ə-ˈvərt How to pronounce avert (audio)
1
: to turn away
avert one's eyes
2
: to keep from happening
averted an accident

More from Merriam-Webster on avert

Nglish: Translation of avert for Spanish Speakers

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