definition of
avert

[1] #1 avert v. [debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, deflect, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off] prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike". wn

[2] #2 avert v. [turn away] turn away or aside; "They averted their eyes when the King entered". wn