1. (

• 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" ;

2. (

• deflect ,
• bend ,
• turn_away

) turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of interest ;

3. (

• deflect

) turn aside and away from an initial or intended course ;

4. (

• distract ,
• deflect ,

) draw someone's attention away from something; "The thief distracted the bystanders"; "He deflected his competitors" ;

5. (

• parry ,
• block ,
• deflect

) impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); "block an attack" ;