Translation guide
To prevent something harmful from affecting you, such as danger, illness, or evil spirits.
To keep something bad from happening or affecting you, often in a protective sense.
General verb for preventing or defending against something undesirable. Used for physical threats, illness, accidents, etc.
Wash your hands to ward off infection.
Use sunscreen to ward off UV rays.
To avoid or keep away from something harmful. Often implies staying clear of a situation or thing.
I went home early to ward off danger.
To repel or drive back an attacker or threat. More forceful and often used for physical attacks.
Learn how to ward off a bear.
To keep away evil spirits, bad luck, or curses using charms or rituals.
A charm or talisman to ward off evil spirits. Can also be used as a noun modifier.
I put up a charm to ward off evil at the entrance.
Protection against misfortune or bad luck, often through Shinto or Buddhist practices.
Literally 'drive away demons', used in traditional rituals like Setsubun.
We scatter beans to ward off demons.
To physically block or deflect an incoming strike.
防ぐ (ふせぐ) focuses on actively preventing something from happening or entering, while 避ける (さける) means to avoid or stay away from something. Use 防ぐ for protective measures and 避ける for evasive actions.
Wear a mask to ward off colds. (prevention)
Avoid crowds. (evasion)
厄除けのお守りを買った。
I bought an amulet to ward off bad luck.
Ward off the attack with a sword.