deflect

verb

1. 1

   impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)

   block an attack

2. 2

   draw someone's attention away from something

   The thief distracted the bystanders

   He deflected his competitors

3. 3

   turn aside and away from an initial or intended course

4. 4

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

5. 5

   prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening

   Let's avoid a confrontation

   head off a confrontation