ward off

verbs

prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening

"Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"

avert, avoid, debar, deflect, fend off, forefend, forfend, head off, obviate, stave off, ward off

avert, turn away, or repel

"Ward off danger"

ward off

is a type of (narrower)

be on the defensive; act against an attack