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deflect
[dih-flekt]
verb (used with or without object)
to bend or turn aside; turn from a true course or straight line; swerve.
deflect
/ dɪˈflɛkt /
verb
to turn or cause to turn aside from a course; swerve
Other Word Forms
- deflectable adjective
- deflector noun
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of deflect1
Example Sentences
At 2-2, Evanilson had a goal disallowed for offside when he tapped in a deflected cross which looked like it was heading in anyway.
On the southern U.S. border, a counterdrone system developed in Ukraine is being repurposed to deflect incursions from Mexico.
Despite Inter's enterprising start it was Atletico who took the lead, with Alvarez drilling home from close range when the ball deflected nicely for him.
But today, both deflected multiple questions about their previous statements and pivoted back to praise.
As Ms. Kilpatrick notes, Ravel sometimes deflected praise for “Boléro,” his most famous work—and yet “he was unashamedly delighted when, passing a building site . . . he heard three construction workers whistling his tune.”
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When To Use
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!
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