avert avert /əˈvɝːt/

verb

1. () Prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening  ( debar , deflect , fend off , forefend , forfend , head off , obviate , stave off , ward off , avert , avoid )
   prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
    Let's avoid a confrontation
   Let's avoid a confrontation
    Head off a confrontation
   head off a confrontation
    Avert a strike
   avert a strike
   
2. () Turn away or aside  ( avert , turn away )
   turn away or aside
    They averted their eyes when the King entered
   They averted their eyes when the King entered