deflect
v 1: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's
avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation";
"avert a strike" [syn: {debar}, {obviate}, {avert}, {head
off}, {stave off}, {fend off}, {avoid}, {ward off}]
2: turn from a straight course or fixed direction [syn: {bend},
{turn away}]
3: turn aside [syn: {deviate}]
4: draw someone's attention away from something [syn: {distract},
{draw away}]
5: impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball), as in sports
or fights; "block an attack" [syn: {parry}, {block}]