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

• deflector noun
• deflectable adjective

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

Linebacker Ethan Coach forced Williams to hurry a pass that was deflected and intercepted by Hill.

From Los Angeles Times

Scottish Labour constitution spokesman Neil Bibby said the speech was a "desperate attempt" from the first minister "to deflect from his failures and try to cling to power".

From BBC

She expects Swift to sprinkle in some of her trademark Easter eggs for fans ahead of the wedding to deflect from what they are envisioning.

From BBC

He is both deflecting attention from his Epstein association and doubling down on his strong-arm tactics to break all resistance to his regime.

From Salon

Kennedy deflected criticism from those who call him anti-vaccine, saying that any parent in Texas who wants a measles vaccine can get one.

From Salon

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!