Verb

• S: (v) debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off (prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening) "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"
• S: (v) deflect, bend, turn away (turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of interest)
• S: (v) deflect (turn aside and away from an initial or intended course)
• S: (v) distract, deflect (draw someone's attention away from something) "The thief distracted the bystanders"; "He deflected his competitors"
• S: (v) parry, block, deflect (impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)) "block an attack"