Avert -

Examples: "talks narrowly a war," "salt on an icy sidewalk averts accidents," "he sped up and averted an accident" [5.3, 5.4, 5.6]. To Turn Away (Eyes or Thoughts):

Examples: "she her gaze," "I averted my eyes while he dressed" [5.1, 5.5]. Examples: "talks narrowly a war," "salt on an

This refers to the physical act of looking away from something undesirable or turning one's mind from a distressing thought [5.1, 5.5]. This implies active effort to stop a disaster,

This implies active effort to stop a disaster, tragedy, or crisis [5.2, 5.5]. Two Distinct Usages To Prevent or Ward Off

At its core, avert (verb) means to turn away or to prevent something unpleasant or dangerous from happening [5.3, 5.6]. It originates from Latin roots meaning "to turn away from" [5.3]. Two Distinct Usages To Prevent or Ward Off (Unpleasant Events):

Key Difference: You avert a crisis you are facing, but you avoid a situation that could lead to one [5.2].