deflect

verb

de·​flect di-ˈflekt How to pronounce deflect (audio)
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 adjective
deflective adjective
deflector noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lean Into Transparency Healthcare leaders often attempt to minimize, deflect or distract from challenges created by their delivery of the patient experience. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 But the best plays the rest of the were a 20-yard pass to Jalil Frazier that deflected off two Eagles and a 21-yard pass from quarterback Terrell Hearn to Corey Costner. Craig J. Clary, Baltimore Sun, 30 Nov. 2024 Cozens and Tuch both deflected it, and Tuch got credit for the goal. Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 30 Nov. 2024 The mayor deflected and said his legal team will handle his case. Ella Lee, The Hill, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deflect 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of deflect was circa 1555

Dictionary Entries Near deflect

Cite this Entry

“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflect. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

deflect

verb
de·​flect di-ˈflekt How to pronounce deflect (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on deflect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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