Deflect

/dɪˈflɛkt/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To make (something) deviate from its original path or position..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To make (something) deviate from its original path or position.
2. (transitive, ball games) To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.
3. (intransitive) To deviate from an original path or position.
4. (transitive, figuratively) To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).
5. (transitive, figuratively) To divert (attention, etc.).
6. (psychology) To redirect culpability to avoid it.

Example Sentences

The defender deflected the cross into his own net.

The Prime Minister deflected some increasingly pointed questions by claiming he had an appointment.

Certainly there was much in the relationship itself that, with so much energy deflected into logistic maneuvering was never […] "worked out."

Critics suggest that Fernández, an unashamed populist and nationalist, is seeking to deflect attention from social disharmony at home.

Synonyms for deflect

Antonyms for deflect

Related Words

Word Forms

• deflects
• deflecting
• deflected

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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