ward off

British  

verb

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

---

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]

---

Example Sentences

Their agreement to testify warded off potential contempt-of-Congress proceedings against them.

From BBC

A few unfortunate servants were tossing fat gold coins into the street, warding off the pixies as best they could.

From Literature

The New Year dragon dance, one of the highlights of the parade, is rooted in traditions which are meant to celebrate prosperity and ward off evil spirits.

From BBC

Still, thermal growth wasn’t enough to ward off an earnings miss.

From Barron's

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