Deflect (5)
'deflect' is the definition.
(I know that deflect can be written as avert)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for avert that I've seen before include "Ward off, deflect" , "Prevent from occurring" , "Prevent from happening" , "use preventive measures" , "Turn away (ones eyes)" .)
(Other definitions for parry that I've seen before include "Duck" , "Impede movement" , "Jerusalem's composer" , "Turn aside (a blow)" , "Answer evasively; 'Jerusalem' composer" .)
'deflect' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for swerve that I've seen before include "Suddenly deviate from straight course" , "Change direction suddenly as to avoid obstacle" , "Suddenly move off course" , "Turn aside from straight course to avoid something (6)" , "Divergence from course" .)
(Other definitions for divert that I've seen before include "Entertain or sidetrack" , "Find a different way" , "offer entertainment" , "Amuse or cause to change direction" , "Entertain; put off course" .)