deflected; deflecting; deflects
1
: to cause (something) to change direction especially from a straight course
armor that deflects bullets
deflecting attention from the troubled economy
deflect a question
2
: to keep (something, as a question) from affecting or being directed at a person or thing
was able to deflect criticism
: to hit something and change direction
the shot deflected off the goalie's shoulder pad
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
Judd is great at deflecting studio notes.
—
Simon Bland, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
My aunt is easily offended and deflects any criticism, while my dad avoids confrontation at any cost.
—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
His save deflected right into the path of Watkins who headed it home.
—Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026
After Brunson missed a shot with about 17 seconds remaining, the Spurs deflected the ball down court to De’Aaron Fox, who picked it up near San Antonio’s basket with the Spurs ahead 106-105 with less than 13 seconds left.
—Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflect
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Simon Bland, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
My aunt is easily offended and deflects any criticism, while my dad avoids confrontation at any cost.
—Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
His save deflected right into the path of Watkins who headed it home.
—Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026
After Brunson missed a shot with about 17 seconds remaining, the Spurs deflected the ball down court to De’Aaron Fox, who picked it up near San Antonio’s basket with the Spurs ahead 106-105 with less than 13 seconds left.
—Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflect
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflect. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
-ˈflek-shən
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