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.

Source : WordNet®

averting
     n 1: the act of preventing something from occurring; "averting
          danger was his responsibility"
     2: the act of turning yourself (or your gaze) away; "averting
        her gaze meant that she was angry" [syn: {aversion}]