avert

Universal Words verb [VN] (written) 1 to prevent sth bad or dangerous from happening: A disaster was narrowly averted. * He did his best to avert suspicion. * Talks are taking place in an attempt to avert a strike. 2 ~ your eyes, gaze, face (from sth) to turn your eyes, etc. away from sth that you do not want to see: She averted her eyes from the terrible scene in front of her.