Apotropiac

apotropiac, adj., n.: 1. (adj.) describing an object or action designed to avert evil, such as a hand sign or religious symbol; or (noun) the object itself; from Greek apotropaios, from apotrepein "to avert," from apo- + trepein "to turn," c. 1883. 2. any item, such as a cross or running water, that is effective or is believed to be effective in driving away evil supernatural beings, such as vampires and ghosts.
Ex: If you newbie Hunters think a hunk of garlic is gonna scare off an angry Gangrel, you've got a lot to learn about apotropaics. [GJ1]