avert
a-vert
verb
To prevent an undesirable or dangerous situation from happening.
"Swift action helped avert a major crisis."
verb
To turn one's eyes or thoughts away from something.
"She averted her gaze from the gruesome accident."
Thesaurus
Synonyms: fend off, forfend, debar, head off, stave off, avoid, ward off, deflect, forefend, obviate, turn away