keeps at bay

• wards offRepels or deflects
• holds backRestrains or delays
• repelsDrives back, resists
• fends offDeflects or repels
• staves offRepels or delays

deters · distance · barrier · shield · guard · repellent · fortress · moat · defense · restrains · pushes away · blocks · prevents · protects · resists · buffers · insulates · quarantine