averting Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the act of preventing something from occurring
   
   • averting danger was his responsibility
2. noun the act of turning yourself (or your gaze) away
   aversion.
   
   • averting her gaze meant that she was angry
3. verb prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
   stave off; avert; debar; avoid; deflect; obviate; head off; forefend; fend off; ward off; forfend.
   
   • Let's avoid a confrontation
   • head off a confrontation
   • avert a strike
4. verb turn away or aside
   avert; turn away.
   
   • They averted their eyes when the King entered

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