deflect

[ dih-flekt ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to bend or turn aside; turn from a true course or straight line; swerve.

deflect

/ dɪˈflɛkt /

verb

1. to turn or cause to turn aside from a course; swerve

Derived Forms

• deˈflector, noun

Other Words From

• de·flecta·ble adjective
• de·flector noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deflect¹

1545–55; < Latin dēflectere to bend down, turn aside, equivalent to dē- de- + flectere to bend, turn

Word History and Origins

Origin of deflect¹

C17: from Latin dēflectere, from flectere to bend

Example Sentences

According to Crawford, Alvarez is “focusing her entire effort publicly on Protess” to deflect attention.

From The Daily Beast

Yet, Obama might take some of these military actions anyway just to deflect political pressures at home.

From The Daily Beast

But when I pulled her toward me to comfort her and tell her that I was sorry, she instinctively flexed her muscles to deflect me.

From The Daily Beast

Creationists need a Muslim hero, and American right-wingers need a “good” Muslim with whom to deflect accusations of Islamophobia.

From The Daily Beast

The impulse would have done nothing to deflect a bullet, which would likely have torn through his arm and into him.

From The Daily Beast

Frank managed to deflect the automatic's muzzle from himself.

From Project Gutenberg

It was announced with official emphasis that no opposition would deflect the Government from its purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a wellnigh infinite number of influences to deflect us from the safe and certain course.

From Project Gutenberg

In order to ascend more quickly the Pilot will deflect the Elevator, which, by the way, you see hinged to the Tail.

From Project Gutenberg

Lockley knew that sharp points, when charged electrically, make tiny jets of ionized air which will deflect a candle flame.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• avert
• bend
• cover up
• divert
• hook
• pivot
• ricochet
• swerve
• veer
• whip