Synonyms for avert

Verb

1. debar, obviate, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off, prevent, forestall, foreclose, preclude, forbid

usage: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"

2. avert, turn away, turn

usage: turn away or aside; "They averted their eyes when the King entered"