ward off

Verb	1.	ward off - prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike" Synonyms: deflect, fend off, head off, avert, stave off, avoid, debar, obviate
	2.	ward off - avert, turn away, or repel; "Ward off danger"

avert, avoid, debar, deflect, fend off, forbid, foreclose, forestall, head off, obviate, preclude, prevent, stave off