deflect
de-flect
verb
To cause something to change direction, especially after hitting an object.
"The shield deflected the blow."
verb
To cause someone or something to turn aside from a purpose or course.
"He tried to deflect criticism."
Thesaurus
Synonyms: distract, block, parry, turn away, bend, fend off, forfend, debar, head off, stave off, avoid, ward off