avert

verb

Etymology: From Middle English averten, adverten, from Old French avertir (“turn, direct, avert; turn the attention, make aware”), from Latin āvertere, from ab + vertō (“to turn”).

1. To turn aside or away.

   “I averted my eyes while my friend typed in her password.”

   “When atheists and profane persons do hear of so many discordant and contrary opinions in religion, it doth avert them from the church.”

2. To ward off, or prevent, the occurrence or effects of.

   “How can the danger be averted?”

   “Till ardent prayer averts the public woe.”

3. To turn away.

   “Cold and averting from our neighbour's good.”