averted
C1Formal to neutral.
Definition
Meaning
turned away or prevented something (typically something bad or undesirable) from happening.
1. To turn one's eyes or gaze away from something. 2. To deflect or ward off (e.g., a blow).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly implies deliberate, conscious action to prevent a negative outcome. Often used in contexts of crises, disasters, danger, or conflict.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage.
Connotations
None.
Frequency
Slightly more common in formal registers (e.g., news, reports) than in casual speech in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + avert + object (crisis/disaster/eyes)Avert + object + from + noun phrase (less common)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Avert one's eyes/gaze.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe preventing financial loss, market crashes, or labour disputes.
Academic
Common in political science, history, and risk management discourse.
Everyday
Used for serious situations like car accidents or personal crises.
Technical
Used in disaster management, diplomacy, and security contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government averted a national rail strike with last-minute talks.
- She averted her gaze from the gruesome scene.
American English
- Quick thinking averted a major disaster at the plant.
- He averted his eyes from the bright headlights.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The driver averted an accident by braking quickly.
- She averted her eyes from the scary film.
- Diplomats worked tirelessly to avert an international crisis.
- A major scandal was averted when the evidence was found to be false.
- The central bank's intervention averted a collapse of the currency.
- He averted his gaze, unable to bear the accusation in her eyes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a VERdict being TURNED away = aVERTed. A judge averts an unjust verdict.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS AN OBJECT MOVING TOWARDS YOU; PREVENTION IS DEFLECTION/REDIRECTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'отвести' in all physical movement contexts. Use 'avert' primarily for abstract dangers. For 'отвести ребёнка в школу', use 'take' or 'accompany'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'averted' for minor, everyday avoidances (e.g., 'I averted the puddle'). Overuse in informal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'averted' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost exclusively. It means to turn away or prevent something bad, dangerous, or unpleasant.
'Avert' is more active and immediate; you avert a specific, impending threat. 'Avoid' is broader and can be passive; you avoid a situation, person, or topic altogether.
Yes, commonly. E.g., 'Disaster was averted by the emergency services.'
It is a literal, physical use of the core meaning 'to turn away'.