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Avert vs Divert - What's the difference?

avert | divert |

In transitive terms the difference between avert and divert

is that avert is to ward off, or prevent, the occurrence or effects of while divert is to entertain or amuse (by diverting the attention.

avert

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To turn aside or away.
  • To avert the eyes from an object.
  • To ward off, or prevent, the occurrence or effects of.
  • How can the danger be averted ?
  • * Milton
  • To avert his ire.
  • * Prior
  • Till ardent prayer averts the public woe.
  • (archaic) To turn away.
  • * Thomson
  • Cold and averting from our neighbour's good.
  • (archaic) To turn away.
  • * Francis Bacon
  • When atheists and profane persons do hear of so many discordant and contrary opinions in religion, it doth avert them from the church.

    Derived terms

    * averter * avertress

    Synonyms

    * (to prevent) * See also

    References

    * " avert" at OneLook® Dictionary Search .

    Anagrams

    * ----

    divert

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To turn aside from a course.
  • The workers diverted the stream away from the road.
  • * Milton
  • that crude apple that diverted Eve
  • To distract.
  • Don't let him divert your attention; keep your eye on the ball.
  • To entertain or amuse (by diverting the attention)
  • * C. J. Smith
  • We are amused by a tale, diverted by a comedy.
  • (obsolete) To turn aside; to digress.
  • I diverted to see one of the prince's palaces. — Evelyn.

    Synonyms

    * (to lead away from a course) offlead