The verb avert has 2 senses (first 2 from tagged texts)
1. (5) debar, obviate, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off -- (prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike")
2. (1) avert, turn away -- (turn away or aside; "They averted their eyes when the King entered")