DEFLECTED

Prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; to protect from or to keep away anything undesirable; to ward off

Example: "Let's avoid a confrontation"

Turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of interest

Turn aside and away from an initial or intended course

Draw someone's attention away from something

Example: "The thief distracted the bystanders"

Impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)

Example: "Block an attack"