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Deflect vs Avert - What's the difference?

deflect | avert |

In transitive terms the difference between deflect and avert

is that deflect is to make (something) deviate from its original path while avert is to ward off, or prevent, the occurrence or effects of.

deflect

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To make (something) deviate from its original path.
  • To deviate from its original path.
  • (figuratively) To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).
    • The Prime Minister deflected some increasingly pointed questions by claiming he had an appointment.
  • (figuratively) To divert (attention, etc.).
  • * 2013 , Luke Harding and Uki Goni, Argentina urges UK to hand back Falklands and 'end colonialism'' (in ''The Guardian , 3 January 2013)[http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/02/argentina-britain-hand-back-falklands]
    • Critics suggest that Fernández, an unashamed populist and nationalist, is seeking to deflect attention from social disharmony at home.

    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

    * ----