To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).
To divert (attention, etc.).
To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.
To make (something) deviate from its original path.
To deviate from its original path.
To defend against; to repel with force or effort
To prevent (a vessel) from running against anything with too much violence.