deflect

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

avert fend off forefend forfend head off stave off ward off avoid debar obviate turn away bend distract parry block

deflection deflective deflector