Prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening.

synonyms: avert, avoid, debar, deflect, fend off, forefend, head off, obviate, stave off, ward off.

Roget 717: defend, forfend, fend; shield, screen, shroud; engarrison^†; fend round etc. (circumscribe) 229; fence, entrench, intrench^†; guard etc. (keep safe) 664; guard against; take care of etc. (vigilance) 459; bear harmless; fend off, keep off, ward off, beat off, beat back; hinder etc. 706.    parry, repel, propugn^†, put to flight; give a warm reception to [Iron.]; hold at bay, keep at bay, keep arm's length.    stand on the defensive, act on the defensive; show fight; maintain one's ground, stand one's ground; stand by; hold one's own; bear the brunt, stand the brunt; fall back upon, hold, stand in the gap.    ... show more

Dutch: afwenden, afweren, bewaren, overbodig, verhoeden, verijdelen, vermijden, voorkomen