Abwenden Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Abwenden" is used as verb with the meaning of "avert", "prevent" or "ward off".

Essential properties of "abwenden"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

  • Infinitive: abwenden
  • Simple past: wandte ab
  • Participle: abgewendet

See full conjugation of abwenden

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Note: These properties are not absolute. A transitive verb can be used intransitively and vice versa depending on context, and many verbs can be used reflexively even though they are not primarily reflexive.

Meanings of "abwenden" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To avoid/prevent something unpleasant/dangerous"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Wir müssen schnell handeln, um eine Katastrophe abzuwenden.We must act quickly to avert a catastrophe.
  2. Der Politiker versuchte, den Skandal abzuwenden.The politician tried to avert the scandal.
  3. Mit dieser Maßnahme konnten wir den finanziellen Schaden abwenden.With this measure, we were able to avert the financial damage.

2.) "To turn away/avert (physical)"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Er wandte seinen Blick von dem schrecklichen Anblick ab.He turned his gaze away from the terrible sight.
  2. Sie wandte ihr Gesicht ab, um ihre Tränen zu verbergen.She turned her face away to hide her tears.
  3. Der Fahrer musste das Auto schnell abwenden, um einen Unfall zu vermeiden.The driver had to quickly swerve the car to avoid an accident.

3.) "To deter/dissuade (interest/attention)"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Seine negativen Kommentare wanden viele potenzielle Kunden ab.His negative comments deterred many potential customers.
  2. Der Lehrer versuchte, die Schüler von ihren schlechten Gewohnheiten abzuwenden.The teacher tried to turn the students away from their bad habits.
  3. Ihre Freunde wanden sich von ihr ab, als sie sich so seltsam verhielt.Her friends turned away from her when she behaved so strangely.
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