Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Avert

Avert ({not transcribed}) , transitive verb

[Latin avertere; a, ab + vertere to turn: compare Old French 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

Avert , intransitive verb

To turn away. [Archaic]
Cold and averting from our neighbor's good. — Thomson