deflective

[dih-flek-tiv]

adjective

1. causing deflection.

Other Word Forms

• nondeflective adjective
• undeflective adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deflective¹

First recorded in 1805–15; deflect + -ive

Example Sentences

A clue as to Carrick's deflective attitude towards the allegations could be found in his interview with police, however.

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He will need to draw upon all his reserves of deflective parliamentary wit.

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Dr. Orna Guralnik helps these pairs interrogate their feelings, communicate better and see their behaviors more clearly, often despite the patients’ best deflective efforts.

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Smith also recommends a deflective approach for invading jackets, hair or feet.

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And he offered his deflective auto-response to several inquiries whose answers seemed easily retrieved.

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