In English, the word avert is commonly used to describe the act of preventing something undesirable from happening or turning away one’s eyes or thoughts. It’s a powerful verb that conveys an action taken to avoid danger, risk, or discomfort. However, the English language offers a rich variety of synonyms that can be used in place of avert depending on the context. Whether you are writing a formal report, a creative story, or simply trying to vary your vocabulary, knowing the right synonym can enhance the clarity and impact of your communication.
Understanding the Meaning of Avert
Before exploring the synonyms, it’s important to understand the dual meanings of avert in English:
- To prevent something bad from occurring (e.g., They took measures to avert a crisis.)
- To turn away, especially one’s eyes or gaze (e.g., She averted her eyes from the scene.)
These two meanings guide which synonym is most appropriate in different situations. Some alternatives work better for physical or visual aversion, while others are best for avoiding outcomes or consequences.
Common Synonyms for Avert (Preventive Context)
1. Prevent
Prevent is perhaps the most direct and widely used synonym for avert. It implies taking action to stop something from happening. This word is clear and suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Example: The doctor advised a healthy diet to prevent heart disease.
2. Avoid
Avoid is a broader term and can refer to staying away from both physical objects and situations. It doesn’t always imply direct intervention, but it conveys the idea of keeping something from happening.
Example: The driver swerved to avoid an accident.
3. Deter
Deter implies discouraging someone from taking action, often through threat or fear. It’s commonly used in law enforcement, military, or security contexts.
Example: The presence of security cameras helps deter theft.
4. Ward Off
This phrasal verb is often used in more literary or figurative contexts. It means to fend off danger or harm, especially in reference to health or supernatural threats.
Example: The villagers used herbs to ward off evil spirits.
5. Thwart
Thwart means to prevent someone’s plans from succeeding. It implies active resistance or obstruction.
Example: The police thwarted the robbery attempt.
6. Forestall
Forestall is a more formal synonym, meaning to act in advance to stop something from occurring. It is commonly used in academic or official texts.
Example: Early intervention can forestall more serious problems later.
7. Obviate
Obviate is also formal and technical, often used in academic or medical writing. It means to remove a need or difficulty, thereby preventing something from becoming an issue.
Example: New technologies can obviate the need for manual labor.
Synonyms for Avert (Turning Away Context)
1. Turn Away
Turn away is a direct and common phrase used to describe the physical act of moving one’s gaze or body from something unpleasant or inappropriate.
Example: He turned away from the gruesome scene.
2. Shun
Shun is stronger and implies deliberately avoiding something or someone, often for moral or ethical reasons.
Example: She chose to shun the toxic environment at work.
3. Refrain
Refrain means to deliberately hold back or abstain from an action. It often refers to self-control and voluntary avoidance.
Example: He refrained from commenting on the situation.
4. Divert
Divert can mean to change the direction of something, including attention or focus. It is slightly more neutral and may imply redirection rather than avoidance.
Example: She diverted her gaze to the floor.
5. Veer Away
Veer away is typically used to describe a sudden change in direction, often to avoid a problem or confrontation.
Example: The car veered away just in time to miss the dog.
Using Synonyms of Avert in Different Contexts
Choosing the right synonym for avert depends on the situation and tone. Below are a few examples that illustrate how these synonyms can be used effectively in different sentences:
- Medical Context: Vaccinations helppreventthe spread of infectious diseases.
- Security Context: Surveillance systemsdetercriminals from breaking in.
- Personal Context: Sheavoidedeye contact during the confrontation.
- Professional Context: The manager acted quickly toforestalla PR disaster.
- Emotional Context: Herefrainedfrom replying in anger to keep the peace.
Why Expanding Your Vocabulary Matters
Understanding and using synonyms for avert helps you write and speak with greater precision. It also adds variety and interest to your language. In professional communication, especially, using the correct synonym can convey exactly the right level of urgency, politeness, or authority. For instance, saying thwarted a cyberattack sounds more impactful than simply saying stopped a cyberattack.
In literature, using diverse vocabulary allows for more vivid and expressive storytelling. Instead of repeating avert multiple times, you can say she turned away, he avoided disaster, or they forestalled the crisis, depending on the situation and desired tone.
The word avert is versatile, covering both the idea of prevention and redirection. By understanding its synonyms, such as prevent, avoid, deter, thwart, forestall, turn away, and refrain, you can make your communication richer and more precise. Whether you are writing an academic essay, crafting a professional report, or composing a novel, the right synonym can elevate your writing and ensure that your message is clearly understood. Take time to learn and practice these alternatives to confidently navigate various writing and speaking scenarios.