divert, turn, deflect

ward off, avoid, prevent, fend off, preclude, stave off, forestall

Some synonyms for prevent are:

anticipate, avert, avoid, balk, bar, block, check, counteract, defend against, foil, forestall, frustrate, hamper, head off, hinder, impede, inhibit, intercept, nip in the bud, obstruct, obviate, preclude, restrain, stave off, stop, thwart, ward off

to ward off, to resist or to manage for ones self

To stave off means to prevent or delay something, such as an illness or a problem, from happening or getting worse through proactive actions or measures.