avert
Verb
Medium difficulty
What does “avert” mean?
verb.to turn away (one's eyes or thoughts); to prevent or ward off.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in contexts related to conflict resolution or danger prevention. It emphasizes proactive measures taken to prevent undesirable outcomes, distinguishing it from similar words like "avoid," which suggests evasion rather than direct intervention.
Common Confusions
Avert implies taking direct action to prevent something undesirable, while avoid usually suggests steering clear of a situation without necessarily engaging in proactive measures.
Do not choose avert if the context emphasizes facing or confronting rather than turning away or preventing.
Example Sentences
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To avert the eyes from an object.
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How can the danger be averted?
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Quick thinking helped avert a collision in the busy intersection.