Why Does Averting Mean?

The verb avert comes from Latin roots that mean "to turn away from." Averting has that sense of deflecting, turning away, or preventing something (usually bad) from happening. You might put salt on an icy sidewalk to avert accidents, or you might avert a toddler's meltdown by supplying a lollipop.

What is the definition of menaced?

transitive verb. 1 : to make a show of intention to harm menaced him with immediate expulsion— G. B. Shaw. 2 : to represent or pose a threat to : endanger menaced by a group of toughs after his car goes kaput— Leah Rozen. intransitive verb. : to act in a threatening manner The bear menaced with its mouth wide open.

What does it mean to avert your gaze?

to turn your eyes or face away from something that you do not want to see. Synonyms and related words. To move your head. avert your eyes/gaze/head etc.