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

Other Word Forms

• deflectable adjective
• deflector 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

Oliver Sipple, a disabled former Marine standing next to her, saw the weapon and deflected her arm just as the gun went off.

From Los Angeles Times

Son, predictably, deflected the praise, saying that he appreciated the welcome he’s received.

From Los Angeles Times

He deflects the question initially, offering something better.

From Los Angeles Times

His attempts to deflect or dismiss it have failed.

From BBC

"It seemed to me he was deflecting from his own team's performance," Dallas said.

From BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

What does deflect mean?

To deflect something is to redirect it—to cause it to move in a direction that’s different from the course it had been on, as in The goalie was able to deflect the ball away from the goal. Deflect can also be used in a passive way meaning for something to have its course changed, as in The ball deflected after hitting the goalie’s outstretched hand. Deflect can also be used in a figurative way meaning to do something to avoid questioning or scrutiny, as in When asked about the scandal, the senator deflected by giving a vague answer and changing the subject. The act or process of deflecting is deflection, which can be used for both the literal and figurative senses of deflect (and more technical uses).Example: The meteor is headed straight for Earth—our only chance is to deflect it using the space laser!