deflect

verb

de·​flect di-ˈflekt 

dē-

deflected; deflecting; deflects

transitive verb

: to turn (something) aside especially from a straight course or fixed direction

armor that deflects bullets

deflecting attention from the troubled economy

deflect a question

intransitive verb

: to turn aside : deviate

the shot deflected off the goalie's shoulder pad

deflectable

di-ˈflek-tə-bəl 

dē-

adjective

deflective

di-ˈflek-tiv 

dē-

adjective

deflector

di-ˈflek-tər 

dē-

noun

Synonyms

• divert
• redirect
• swing
• turn
• veer
• wheel
• whip

Examples of deflect in a Sentence

armor that can deflect bullets

The goalie deflected the ball with his hands.

The ball deflected off the goalie's shoulder.

They are trying to deflect attention from the troubled economy.

The blame was deflected from the chairman.

Recent Examples on the Web

After Spartans defensive lineman Bubba Smith deflected a punt, Michigan State quarterback Steve Juday burst in from the 1-yard line with 31 seconds left to cut the Spartans’ deficit to two points. —Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025

When prompted about the race for the Calder, the 18-year-old deflected and focused on how the Sharks needed to start winning, as reported by NBC Sports reporter Sheng Peng. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024

Leaders who deflect responsibility lose the trust of their teams. —Ed MacHa, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Although the credit often is directed toward Harbaugh, the coach hoped to deflect as much as possible Saturday. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin deflectere to bend down, turn aside, from de- + flectere to bend

First Known Use

circa 1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

deflect

verb

de·​flect di-ˈflekt 

: to turn or cause to turn aside (as from a course, direction, or position)

a bullet deflected by striking a wall

deflection

-ˈflek-shən

noun