AVERT', v.t. [L. averto, a, from, and verto, to turn, anciently, vorto; hence vertex, vortex, averto; probably allied to L. vario; Eng. veer.]
1. To turn from; to turn off or away; as, to avert the eyes from an object.
2. To keep off, divert or prevent; as, to avert an approaching calamity.
3. To cause to dislike. but this sense See ms to be improper, except when heart or some equivalent word is used; as, to avert the heart or affections, which may signify to alienate the affections.
AVERT', v.i. To turn away.
