Understanding the Word: Avert
Have you ever looked away quickly to avoid seeing something unpleasant, or perhaps taken a swift action to stop a bad situation from getting worse? In English, we use the word avert to describe these moments. Whether you are physically turning your body or mentally planning a way to stop a crisis, knowing how to use this verb will help you describe moments of avoidance and prevention with precision.
What Does Avert Mean?
The verb avert comes from the Latin roots ab- (away) and vertere (to turn). At its core, the word carries the literal meaning of turning something away or the figurative meaning of stopping something negative from occurring.
1. To Turn Away or Aside
This definition is used when someone physically moves their eyes or face to avoid looking at something uncomfortable, shocking, or upsetting.
- She averted her eyes from the gruesome scene on the television.
- He averted his gaze, hoping the teacher would not call on him.
2. To Prevent Something Bad
This is the most common way to use avert in professional and news contexts. It implies an active effort to stop a disaster, conflict, or negative outcome before it begins.
- The company president negotiated all night to avert a massive strike.
- Quick thinking by the pilot helped avert a mid-air collision.
- We must take immediate action to avert a global climate crisis.
Grammar and Usage Patterns
Avert is a transitive verb, which means it requires a direct object. You cannot simply "avert"; you must "avert something."
Common sentence structures include:
- Subject + Avert + Object: The heavy rains averted a potential drought.
- Subject + Avert + Object + From + -ing: They tried to avert the neighborhood from falling into disarray. (Note: While grammatically possible, it is much more common to use "prevent" in this specific structure).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One frequent error is confusing avert with avoid. While they are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. Avoid is a broader term that simply means staying away from someone or something. Avert is more specific—it implies an active turning away or a targeted effort to stop a specific negative event. For example, you can "avoid" a person you don't like, but you wouldn't say you "avert" that person. Reserve avert for formal situations or physical movements like turning your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "avert" a formal word?
Yes, avert is considered formal. You will see it frequently in news reports, business documents, and literature. In casual conversation, people are more likely to use "stop," "prevent," or "look away."
Can you "avert" something positive?
No. Avert is almost exclusively used for negative outcomes, such as disasters, crises, accidents, or uncomfortable sights.
What is the noun form of avert?
The noun form is aversion, which means a strong dislike or opposition to something. Note that while they share the same roots, their meanings have drifted apart over time.
Is "avert" the same as "divert"?
They are similar but distinct. Divert means to change the direction of something (like diverting water or traffic), while avert means to stop something from happening or to turn your eyes away.
Conclusion
Mastering the word avert allows you to express yourself more clearly when discussing prevention and redirection. Whether you are describing a dramatic aversion of one's gaze or a strategic move to avert a disaster, you now have the tools to use this versatile verb with confidence. Try using it in your next piece of writing to add a touch of professional polish to your vocabulary.