to disconcert or distract (somebody)
to dissuade or discourage (somebody)
to postpone
to get rid of (somebody) with excuses
to switch off (an electric light or devise)
to disconcert or repel (somebody)
to dissuade or discourage (somebody), or make them lose interest
to delay or postpone (an event or activity)
to get rid of (somebody) or persuade them to wait, esp by means of excuses or evasions
to cause (an electrical device) to stop operating, e.g. by means of a switch