Definition of "ward off" [ward off]

• To parry, or turn aside (verb)
• To avert or prevent (verb)

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• "The large palace complex was located on a rock terrace rising above the plain and was approached by a broad double stairway guarded by statues of giant bulls to ward off evil, a borrowing from earlier Mesopotamian iconography."
• "Leonnatus took up position on one side of the king while Peucestas held the Trojan shield above him to ward off the stones and arrows that rained down on them."
• "It was pointless to clean the house ahead of time; no amount of cleaning could ward off the3A.M.ritual."