ward off (v.)
- anticipate
- avert
- bar
- block
- chase
- check
- counter
- cut
- debar
- deflect
- deter
- discourage
- dishearten
- dismiss
- dodge
- duck
- equivocate
- estop
- exclude
- fence
- fend
- forbid
- foreclose
- forestall
- hedge
- help
- hinder
- obstruct
- obviate
- parry
- preclude
- prevent
- prohibit
- pussyfoot
- rebuff
- rebut
- recoil
- refuse
- repel
- repulse
- save
- shift
- shrink
- shy
- sidestep
- snub
- spurn
- stop
- swerve
