Let's avoid a confrontation. Head off a confrontation. Avert a strike.
source: WordNet 3.0
turn away or aside
They averted their eyes when the King entered.
source: WordNet 3.0
To turn aside, or away; as, to avert the eyes from an object; to ward off, or prevent, the occurrence or effects of; as, how can the danger be averted? "To avert his ire."