From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
deflect
v 1: prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's
avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert
a strike" [syn: debar, forefend, forfend, obviate,
deflect, avert, head off, stave off, fend off,
avoid, ward off]
2: turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of
interest [syn: deflect, bend, turn away]
3: turn aside and away from an initial or intended course
4: draw someone's attention away from something; "The thief
distracted the bystanders"; "He deflected his competitors"
[syn: distract, deflect]
5: impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); "block an
attack" [syn: parry, block, deflect]