Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb ward_off

2 senses of ward off

Sense 1
debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off -- (prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike")
       => prevent, forestall, foreclose, preclude, forbid -- (keep from happening or arising; make impossible; "My sense of tact forbids an honest answer"; "Your role in the projects precludes your involvement in the competitive project")

Sense 2
ward off -- (avert, turn away, or repel; "Ward off danger")
       => defend -- (be on the defensive; act against an attack)