ward off

Definition of Ward Off in English :

prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening

Example Sentences:
'Let's avoid a confrontation'
'head off a confrontation'
'avert a strike'

2. ward off

avert, turn away, or repel

Example Sentences:
'Ward off danger'

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Ward Off

verb

(tr, adverb)

to turn aside or repel; avert

tr.v. ward·ed, ward·ing, wards
Archaic

To guard; protect.

n.

1.

a. A room in a hospital usually holding six or more patients.

b. A division in a hospital for the care of a particular group of patients: a maternity ward.

2.

a. A division of a city or town, especially an electoral district, for administrative and representative purposes.

b. A district of some English and Scottish counties corresponding roughly to the hundred or the wapentake.

3. One of the divisions of a penal institution, such as a prison.

4. An open court or area of a castle or fortification enclosed by walls.

5.

a. Law A minor or a person deemed legally incompetent.

b. A person under the protection or care of another.

6. Archaic

a. The act of guarding or protecting; guardianship.

b. The act of keeping watch or being a lookout.

c. The state of being under guard; custody.

7. A defensive movement or attitude, especially in fencing; a guard.

8.

a. The projecting ridge of a lock or keyhole that prevents the turning or insertion of a key other than the proper one.

b. The notch cut into a key that corresponds to such a ridge.