deflect (
http://definr.com/deflect)
v 1: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's
avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation";
"avert a strike" [syn:
debar,
obviate,
avert, {head
off},
stave off,
fend off,
avoid,
ward off]
2: turn from a straight course , fixed direction, or line of
interest [syn:
bend,
turn away]
3: turn aside [syn:
deviate]
4: draw someone's attention away from something; "The thief
distracted the bystanders"; "He deflected his competitors"
[syn:
distract]
5: impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball), as in sports
or fights; "block an attack" [syn:
parry,
block]