Synonyms for deflect

Verb

1. debar, obviate, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off, prevent, forestall, foreclose, preclude, forbid

usage: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"

2. deflect, bend, turn away, turn

usage: turn from a straight course , fixed direction, or line of interest

3. deflect, deviate, turn

usage: turn aside

4. distract, deflect, confuse, flurry, disconcert, put off

usage: draw someone's attention away from something; "The thief distracted the bystanders"; "He deflected his competitors"

5. parry, block, deflect, fence

usage: impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); "block an attack"