Definition of: avert

(ə·vûrt′) v.t.
1. To turn or direct away or aside from, as one's regard.
2. To prevent or ward off, as a danger. See synonyms under AVOID. [<OF avertir <L avertere turn aside <ab- away + vertere turn]
—a·vert′ed·ly adverb
—a·vert′i·ble, a·vert′a·ble adjective