avert
UK: əˈvɜːt | US: əˈvɜːrt
vt. to turn away or prevent (something, such as one's eyes or a disaster)
vt. to avoid or ward off (a negative outcome)
The word avert traces back to Latin avertere, combining ab- ("away") and vertere ("to turn"). It originally described physically turning something away (e.g., eyes) and later expanded metaphorically to mean preventing harm or avoiding undesirable outcomes. The root vert appears in many English words (e.g., convert, revert), reflecting its foundational role in expressing directional change.
She averted her gaze when the bright light flashed.
Quick action averted a potential traffic accident.
The diplomat worked tirelessly to avert a war.
He tried to avert suspicion by acting casually.
The vaccine helped avert a widespread outbreak.