deflect

verb

1. prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening

   verb.social

   Synonyms avert avoid debar fend off forefend forfend head off obviate stave off ward off

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of interest

   verb.motion

   Synonyms bend turn away

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. turn aside and away from an initial or intended course

   verb.motion

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. draw someone's attention away from something

   verb.emotion

   Examples

   He deflected his competitors.

   Synonyms distract

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)

   verb.competition

   Synonyms block parry

   Source: WordNet 3.0

6. To cause to turn aside; to bend; as, rays of light are often <i>deflected</i>.

   verb

   Source: webster1913

7. To turn aside; to deviate from a right or a horizontal line, or from a proper position, course or direction; to swerve.

   verb

   Source: webster1913