Question

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Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "avert" in the context, we analyze the sentence "all dreaded it—all sought to avert it". The "it" here refers to the civil war. People dreaded the war, so they would want to prevent or ward it off. Option A means to damage, which is opposite. Option C means to hasten (speed up), which is also opposite. Option D means to give a false appearance, irrelevant. Option B means to ward off or prevent, which fits the context as people sought to stop the dreaded civil war.

Answer:

B. to ward off or to prevent