deflect
Americanverb (used with or without object)
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deflects,
present (3rd person singular)
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deflected,
past participle, past
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deflecting
present participle
verb
Usage
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!
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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deflectsimple
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deflectssimple
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have deflectedperfect
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has deflectedperfect
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am deflectingprogressive
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are deflectingprogressive
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is deflectingprogressive
-
have been deflectingperfect progressive
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has been deflectingperfect progressive
Past
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deflectedsimple
-
had deflectedperfect
-
was deflectingprogressive
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were deflectingprogressive
-
had been deflectingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of deflect
1545–55; < Latin dēflectere to bend down, turn aside, equivalent to dē- de- + flectere to bend, turn
Explanation
The verb deflect describes blocking something or changing its course. Hockey goalies deflect the flying puck with their sticks or blockers, making it travel in a different direction, preferably to a teammate's stick. In a cartoon, a mouse might ask an approaching cat, "Hey, what's that up in the sky?" When the cat looks up, the mouse runs away, successful in his attempt to deflect the cat's attention. When you deflect, you throw someone or something off course, often by using a distraction. Another way to deflect something — such as criticism — is to blame someone else. Eventually the truth, like the cat who quickly sees there's nothing unusual up in the sky, catches up with those who deflect.
Vocabulary lists containing deflect
Unit 1: Telling Details
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
I’ve seen him stumble, fall and constantly deflect reality.
From Salon ● Oct. 30, 2026
In an attempt to deflect attention away from himself, Michael stressed how Sharon had been acting like a "totally different person" of late.
From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026
Martin juked out blockers late in the first half to deflect the first attempt, keeping the score at 7-7.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026
This has allowed many in the publishing world to deflect the issue, claiming that AI tools can only replicate formulaic styles and cannot generate meaningful works of literature.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026
“Fine, that was a cheap shot,” he admitted, bringing his sword up to deflect another blow.
From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
The pastor instead deflects responsibility by playing the victim card.
From Salon ● Apr. 10, 2026
In the short term, this deflects the pressure from the CNE and also allows Mr Maduro to argue that he has complied with international requests to hand over the tallies.
From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2024
The planet’s rotation gives rise to the Coriolis effect, which deflects air flow and determines the direction of its swirling cyclones and bands.
From New York Times ● May 21, 2024
Scientists can infer the value of the QGP's electrical conductivity from how much the electromagnetic field deflects charged particles such as electrons, quarks, and protons.
From Science Daily ● May 17, 2024
Haymitch takes a swipe with his knife but Peeta deflects it so easily it’s pathetic.
From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins
Never one to take his mediocrity on the chin, Waititi deflected the negativity outward, which, as we know, always paints someone in a good light!
From Salon ● Nov. 5, 2026
Speaking to Slate in her office the day before, she often deflected criticism of administration policies on key issues—noting that she raised concern with key stakeholders.
From Slate ● Nov. 2, 2026
Kessler deflected his success, crediting the play of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026
Most obviously, Carrick, having deflected questions about the defender's outburst in the immediate aftermath of the game, will face more probing on the matter when he speaks to the media before Sunday's trip to Leeds.
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
A bolt of dark energy shot toward me, but I deflected it off my blade and slammed into him.
From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan
The sequence started with Bosnian defender Stjepan Radeljic sliding in front of a Tillman pass, deflecting it forward toward Muharemovic.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026
I had only one sartorial concern at the time: deflecting male attention whenever possible.
From Salon ● Jun. 12, 2026
When they arrive, the planet's magnetic field acts as a shield, deflecting most of the charged particles.
From Barron's ● May 19, 2026
Would the ball deflecting off White's shin have caused VAR to stay out of this in the Premier League?
From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2026
Eveillard, balding and with a dirty shirt, had been deflecting the barbs of some of the American-born officers, with limited success.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
