Ward-off definition

Actually, Gerald's intent was probably to ward off an attack, rather than chastise Alex.

Indeed, the bulk of the reign of Aurelius was spent in efforts to ward off the attacks of the barbarians.

While the western mountains keep out the moisture, they do not ward off the winds which pour down the steep slopes in the winter and spring and raise clouds of dust.

Wagner foresaw the use that would be made of this discovery by the adherents of the new philosophy, and, in the usual language of its opponents at the time, strove to ward off the " misinterpretations " that they would put upon it.