forfend

Verbs

(v) prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
- Let's avoid a confrontation
- head off a confrontation
- avert a strike
avert, deflect, fend off, forefend, head off, stave off, ward off, avoid, debar, obviate,

Synonyms

avert deflect fend off forefend head off stave off ward off avoid debar obviate

Words of close approximity

forfeit