deflect
verb (used with or without object)
to bend or turn aside; turn from a true course or straight line; swerve.
have deflected
-
present perfectof deflect.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Those in charge that day have deflected blame, while other firefighters testified that they didn’t question what they were assigned to do.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2026
All along, Polish prosecutors have deflected questions about the case and the process.
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2024
Whenever they are criticized, Internet platforms have deflected blame onto their users.
From Scientific American ● Nov. 10, 2023
The White House and Department of Homeland Security have deflected questions about the policy in recent months to the C.D.C., which said little about its rationale for extending the order.
From New York Times ● Apr. 1, 2022
In fact, for all he knew, they might have deflected it several times and set it right again.
From Thrice Armed by Harold Bindloss
