ward off (verb) ward/ward off: defend, guard
Sinonime: avert,
avoid, beat off,
block,
check,
deflect,
deter,
divert, fend,
foil, forestall,
frustrate,
halt, hold off,
interrupt, keep at arm's length, keep at bay, keep off,
obviate, parry,
preclude,
prevent,
rebuff, rebut,
repel, repulse, rule out, stave off,
stop,
stymie*,
thwart,
turn, turn aside, turn away
Antonime: lay bare, make vulnerable,
open