wards off
Prevents from approaching
Wards off means to repel or deflect something unwanted before it arrives or takes hold.
You ward off an attacker, ward off illness, or ward off criticism.
The phrase suggests defensive action against an approaching threat: Garlic supposedly wards off vampires.
She took vitamin C to ward off a cold.
- repelDrive off or disgust
- deflectTurn from course
- thwartPrevent success of
- resistOppose or refuse compliance
- holds backRestrains or delays
keeps at bay · shield · guard · deter · protect · talisman · amulet · protective charm · garlic cloves · evil spirits · avert · vigilance · fortify · exorcism · prevent · stops · white blood cells · blessing
- repelsrepels, keeps away, drives away, pushes away, turns away