GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Avert , 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.
   
   1913 Webster
   When atheists and profane persons do hear of so many discordant and contrary opinions in religion, it doth avert them from the church.
   Bacon.
   
   1913 Webster
   Till ardent prayer averts the public woe.
   Prior.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Avert, v. i. To turn away. [Archaic]
   1913 Webster
   Cold and averting from our neighbor's good.
   Thomson.
   
   1913 Webster