The term 'warded (off)' can be defined as protecting or guarding against something. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as fending, averting, repelling, and staying. Fending is the act of defending oneself or another from an attack or danger. Averting is the act of turning away or preventing something from happening. Repelling is the act of pushing away or driving off an enemy or danger. Staying is the act of remaining in a certain place or position. All of these terms can be used to describe the act of warding off something.