avert
/əˈvɜrt/
verb
- To prevent something bad or dangerous from happening.
- Diplomats worked hard to avert a war between the two countries.
- Quick thinking helped the driver avert a serious accident.
- The vaccine can avert a severe case of the flu.
- To turn your eyes, face, or attention away from something.
- She averted her gaze when she saw the scary scene in the movie.
- He averted his eyes from the bright light.
- The child averted her face shyly when the stranger smiled at her.