deflect

verb

de·​flect di-ˈflekt 

dē-

deflected; deflecting; deflects

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to hit something and change direction

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 of deflect

• turn
• swing
• divert
• redirect
• 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

Calhoun, a defensive back, deflects a last-second two-point conversion pass with a fingertip and UM beats Nebraska, 31-30, for its first of five national championships. — Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026

Kate Faasse equalized for the Dash in the 42nd minute after Kiki Van Zanten’s shot deflected off North Carolina goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

The veteran delivered for the Sox with a single that deflected off the glove of diving shortstop Kevin McGonigle and trickled into left field. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Jackson Stecher’s throw to Noah de la Cruz in the back of the end zone is deflected out of bounds by Jamari Lewis on the final play of the half. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

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 1

Rhymes for deflect

• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• detect
• direct
• dissect
• effect
• eject

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