The aversive or evitative case (abbreviated ) is a grammatical case found in Australian Aboriginal languages that indicates that the marked noun is avoided or feared. Usage For example, in Walmajarri:
The suffix -karrarla indicates that the action (running away) was carried out in order to avoid the dust storm, tjurtu-.
The aversive may also be used to mark the object of verbs of fearing. For example, in Djabugay:
The aversive may be used on a nominalized verb, to produce an equivalent of English "lest". For example, "lest they be forgotten" could be encoded as "to avoid forgetting them". Languages Few languages have a distinct aversive case. Usually, a single case will be used both for the aversive and other functions.
Languages with a distinct aversive case include: Arrernte Djabugay Gumbaynggir Marri Ngarr Marrithiyel Walmajarri Warlmanpa Warlpiri Warumungu the Western Desert Language Yidinj
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