ward off
Deflect before contact
Ward off means to repel or prevent something unwanted from approaching or taking effect.
You ward off attackers, illness, or bad luck.
The phrase suggests active resistance—putting up a defense: She warded off the cold with a heavy coat, Garlic supposedly wards off vampires.
The off emphasizes keeping the threat at a distance.
Prevent or deflect
- forestallPrevent by prior action
- precludeMake impossible in advance
- thwartPrevent success of
- preventStop in advance
stop · halt · intercept · obstruct · impede · hinder · hamper · curb
Handheld defensive armor
deflect · counter · resist · withstand · rebuff · repulse · armor · fortify
Precaution against harm
- secureProtected from harm
- shelterProtected place or structure
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
- refugePlace of safety
haven · talisman · amulet · charm · garlic · crucifix · evil eye · hex sign
Escape by cunning
- eludeSkillfully avoid capture
- dodgeAvoid by quick movement
- sidestepEvade by moving aside
- circumventAvoid by going around
bypass · skirt · escape · steer clear · divert · avoid · keep away
Diminish someone's confidence
- dissuadeConvince not to
- intimidateInstill fear to control
- deterPrevent through intimidation
- repellentCauses strong aversion
avert
Prevent or deflect
prevent · stop · halt · intercept · obstruct · impede · hinder · hamper · curb · counteract
shield
Handheld defensive armor
repel · deflect · counter · resist · withstand · rebuff · repulse · armor · fortify · barricade
safeguard
Precaution against harm
refuge · haven · talisman · amulet · charm · garlic · crucifix · evil eye · hex sign · blessing
evade
Escape by cunning
circumvent · bypass · skirt · escape · steer clear · divert · avoid · keep away
discourage
Diminish someone's confidence
- dissuadeConvince not to
- intimidateInstill fear to control
- deterPrevent through intimidation
repellent · deterrent · scarecrow · warning shot · show of force