Avert -

implies a direct, active effort to stop a specific, impending negative outcome [5.2, 5.3].

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

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): implies a direct