Avert Direct

This refers to the physical act of looking away from something undesirable or turning one's mind from a distressing thought [5.1, 5.5].

implies a direct, active effort to stop a specific, impending negative outcome [5.2, 5.3]. This refers to the physical act of looking

Prevent, ward off, stop, avoid, head off, derail [5.3, 5.6]. 5.5]. implies a direct