ward off

British  

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to turn aside or repel; avert

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ward off Idioms  

1. Turn aside, parry, as in He tried to ward off her blows . [Second half of 1500s]

2. Try to prevent, avert, as in She took vitamin C to ward off a cold . [Mid-1700s]

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Example Sentences

As tariff rates changed and increased last year, exporting countries did not lower the cost of goods in an attempt to ward off any drop in US demand.

From BBC

The tax was pushed by Restore Healthcare for Angelenos, a coalition of healthcare workers and advocates, who argue it is necessary to ward off mass layoffs of healthcare workers and keep emergency rooms open.

From Los Angeles Times

Praised for warding off pests, so-called bodega cats are also a cultural fixture for New Yorkers, some of whom are now pushing to enshrine legal rights for the little store helpers.

From Barron's

The subsidy-fueled gold rush emboldened unions to squeeze producers, warding off studios looking for inexpensive film locations.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s no secret that police routinely monitor funerals and repass gatherings where they suspect gang members could be present, partly in an effort to ward off violence.

From Los Angeles Times