ward off

Verb	1.	ward off - prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike" deflect, fend off, head off, avert, stave off, avoid, debar, obviate foreclose, forestall, preclude, prevent, forbid - keep from happening or arising; have the effect of preventing; "My sense of tact forbids an honest answer"
	2.	ward off - avert, turn away, or repel; "Ward off danger" defend - be on the defensive; act against an attack

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