ward off

Verb
  1. Prevent the occurrence of;
    Prevent from happening (synset 202458770)
    "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"
    is a type of: forbid, foreclose, forestall, preclude, prevent - keep from happening or arising; make impossible
    same as: avert, avoid, debar, deflect, fend off, forefend, forfend, head off, obviate, stave off
  2. Avert, turn away, or repel (synset 201132017)
    "Ward off danger"
    is a type of: defend - be on the defensive; act against an attack

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