is more passive, often meaning to keep away from, stay away from, or refrain from a situation [5.2].
Prevent, ward off, stop, avoid, head off, derail [5.3, 5.6]. is more passive, often meaning to keep away
implies a direct, active effort to stop a specific, impending negative outcome [5.2, 5.3]. is more passive
Examples: "talks narrowly a war," "salt on an icy sidewalk averts accidents," "he sped up and averted an accident" [5.3, 5.4, 5.6]. To Turn Away (Eyes or Thoughts): often meaning to keep away from
This implies active effort to stop a disaster, tragedy, or crisis [5.2, 5.5].
Examples: "she her gaze," "I averted my eyes while he dressed" [5.1, 5.5].