avert
7 synonyms for avert, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To prevent something bad from happening.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use avert
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
avert disaster
avert one's eyes
avert a crisis
Etymology
From Old French avertir, from Latin avertere, "to turn away," from ab- plus vertere, "to turn."
Full origin of avert →Frequently asked questions
What does “avert” mean?
The word “avert” means to prevent something bad from happening. In plain terms, to stop something bad from happening, or to look away from something.
How do you pronounce “avert”?
“Avert” is pronounced uh-VURT (/əˈvɝt/ in IPA).
How do you use “avert” in a sentence?
Here is “avert” used in a sentence: “Quick thinking by the crew averted a serious accident.”
What is another word for “avert”?
Words with a similar meaning to “avert” include hinder.
What part of speech is “avert”?
“Avert” is a verb.
Where does the word “avert” come from?
The word “avert” comes from Latin. From Old French avertir, from Latin avertere, "to turn away," from ab- plus vertere, "to turn.".
Is “avert” a common word?
“Avert” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “avert” have?
“Avert” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to prevent something bad from happening.
