deflect

dodge

Avoid by quick movement

• sidestepEvade by moving aside
• parryDefensive blade deflection
• duckWaterbird that quacks

avoid · elude · circumvent · skirt · fend · rebuff · repel · ward · counter · brush off

rebound

Return after deflection

• ricochetAngled deflection off surface
• caromAngled deflection shot
• glanceBrief, casual look

ping · skim · skip · mirror · angle · bank · kickback · springback · recoil · return

divert

Cause to change course

• distractDivert someone's attention
• redirectSend in new direction
• sidetrackDivert from purpose

mislead · decoy · feint · obfuscate · shift · transfer · displace · refocus · smokescreen · red herring

block

Solid mass, or impede

• guardWatchful defensive attention
• protectKeep from harm
• armorProtective combat covering

barrier · parry · fend · repel · ward · screen · buffer · absorb · intercept · shelter

excuse

Offered reason for wrongdoing

• justifyProvide adequate grounds for
• scapegoatUnfairly blamed person
• transferMove between locations

shift · project · rationalize · deny · disavow · absolve · exonerate · accountability · responsibility · culpability

• tacticsmaneuver, counter-attack, gambit, ambush, counterstrike
• boxingjab, uppercut, hook, punch, knockout
• combat actionsstab, slash, parry, block, thrust
• defendprotect, shield, guard, block, resist
• maneuversmaneuver, feint, sidestep, dodge, evasion
• obstructblock, halt, stop, impede, hinder