Synonyms

deflected

American

[dih-flek-tid] / dɪˈflɛk tɪd /

adjective

Biology.

curved or bent downward.
deflexed.

Other Word Forms

nondeflected adjective
undeflected adjective

Etymology

Origin of deflected

First recorded in 1820–30; deflect + -ed ²

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.

But when Boozer tried to throw a pass across half-court to a wide-open teammate, Demary’s outstretched hand deflected the ball and began to make the miracle possible.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

They were lucky to beat Ukraine, outplayed for much of the game but thankful for Gareth Bale's deflected free-kick, following his two brilliant goals in the semi-final win over Austria.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

"The team's amazingly precise measurement again validates kinetic impact as a technique for defending Earth against asteroid hazards and shows how a binary asteroid might be deflected by impacting just one member of the pair."

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

That’s when Hilary Knight deflected a Laila Edwards slap shot past Canadian goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens to even the score and eventually send the game to overtime.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

It hit the finger section of my glove, deflected off, smashed into the upper rim of the left lens of my glasses, glanced off my forehead, and knocked me down.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023