Synonyms of ward off

Verb

1. debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off, prevent, forestall, foreclose, preclude, forbid

usage: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"

2. ward off, defend

usage: avert, turn away, or repel; "Ward off danger"