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
He was usually found near the net, either deflecting shots or scrambling for loose pucks, putting his body on the line.
—
Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
The puck deflected off the outstretched stick of Ottawa defender Rory Guilday and into the back of the net.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Mack then pushed the Marlins’ lead to 3-0 with a two-run single with the bases loaded in the fourth that deflected off second baseman Ozzie Albies’ glove and into right field to score Kyle Stowers and Marsee.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Ray exited the game after fielding a comebacker that deflected off his quad, but his night was likely done anyhow.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deflect
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Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
The puck deflected off the outstretched stick of Ottawa defender Rory Guilday and into the back of the net.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Mack then pushed the Marlins’ lead to 3-0 with a two-run single with the bases loaded in the fourth that deflected off second baseman Ozzie Albies’ glove and into right field to score Kyle Stowers and Marsee.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Ray exited the game after fielding a comebacker that deflected off his quad, but his night was likely done anyhow.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 19 May 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 27 May. 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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