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third-person singular simple present averts, present participle averting, simple past and past participle averted
(transitive) To turn aside or away. quotations examples
When atheists and profane persons do hear of so many discordant and contrary opinions in religion, it doth avert them from the church.
1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Unity in Religion”, in The Essayes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Iohn Haviland for Hanna Barret
(transitive) To ward off, or prevent, the occurrence or effects of. quotations examples
Till ardent prayer averts the public woe.
1700, Matthew Prior, Carmen Seculare. for the Year 1700
(intransitive, archaic) To turn away. quotations
Cold and averting from our neighbour's good.
1728, James Thomson, “Spring”, in The Seasons, London: […] A[ndrew] Millar, and sold by Thomas Cadell, […], published 1768