· prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"

Synonym(s): debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, avert, head_off, stave_off, fend_off, avoid, ward_off

Hypernym(s): prevent, forestall, foreclose, preclude, forbid

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

Synonym(s): bend, turn_away

Hypernym(s): turn

· turn aside and away from an initial or intended course

Hypernym(s): turn

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

Synonym(s): distract

Hypernym(s): confuse, flurry, disconcert, put_off

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

Synonym(s): parry, block

Hypernym(s): fence