deflect

Verb

• impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
  • block an attack
    

• draw someone's attention away from something
  • The thief distracted the bystanders
    
  • He deflected his competitors
    

• turn aside and away from an initial or intended course

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

• prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
  • Let's avoid a confrontation
    
  • head off a confrontation
    
  • avert a strike
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  parry , block , distract , bend , turn away