Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Avert \A*vert"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Averted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Averting}.] [L. avertere; a, ab + vertere to turn: cf. OF.
   avertir. See {Verse}, n.]
   To turn aside, or away; as, to avert the eyes from an object;
   to ward off, or prevent, the occurrence or effects of; as,
   how can the danger be averted? ``To avert his ire.''
   --Milton.

         When atheists and profane persons do hear of so many
         discordant and contrary opinions in religion, it doth
         avert them from the church.              --Bacon.

         Till ardent prayer averts the public woe. --Prior.

Avert \A*vert"\, v. i.
   To turn away. [Archaic]

         Cold and averting from our neighbor's good. --Thomson.

Source : WordNet®

avert
     v 1: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's
          avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation";
          "avert a strike" [syn: {debar}, {obviate}, {deflect}, {head
          off}, {stave off}, {fend off}, {avoid}, {ward off}]
     2: turn away or aside; "They averted their eyes when the King
        entered" [syn: {turn away}]