turn aside
To move to one side, avoid looking at something, or reject an idea or request.
Meanings
To move one's face or body to the side, especially to avoid seeing or dealing with something.
"He turned aside, unable to watch the scene unfolding before him."
To deflect, reject, or dismiss a question, criticism, or attack.
"The politician turned aside every question about the investigation with a smile."
To deviate from a planned course or purpose.
"We cannot turn aside from our mission now that we are so close to the goal."
More formal and literary than common spoken alternatives. Often used in writing to describe averting one's gaze from something upsetting, or deflecting a question or criticism. Biblical and classical literature use it frequently.
Commonly used with
Forms
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