Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cause something to change direction: To make something, especially a moving object, turn aside from its original path or course.
   • To turn or cause to turn from a straight course or fixed direction: To deviate or cause to deviate from an intended line of movement or interest.
   • To prevent something from happening or being directed at someone/something: To ward off or avert an undesirable event, attack, or question.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The goalie deflected the ball with his fingertips. (He caused the ball's path to change.)
  • The shield deflected the arrow. (It caused the arrow to turn away.)
  • She deflected the difficult question by changing the subject. (She turned the conversation away from the topic.)
  • The mirror deflected the beam of light. (It changed the light's direction.)

Advanced Usage

• "to deflect attention/criticism/blame": To deliberately turn attention, criticism, or blame away from oneself or a sensitive topic.
  • The politician tried to deflect attention from the scandal.
• "to deflect something away from someone/something": To cause something harmful or unwanted to move or be directed elsewhere.
  • He raised his arm to deflect the blow away from his head.

Variants and Related Words

• Deflection (n): The action of deflecting or the state of being deflected; a deviation.
  • The deflection of the ball was minimal.
• Deflector (n): A device or object that causes deflection.
  • The car has a wind deflector.

Synonyms

• Divert: To cause something to change course or direction.
• Deviate: To depart from an established course.
• Avert: To turn away or prevent (something bad or unwanted).
• Parry: To ward off or deflect, especially a weapon or question.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Deflect" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. The meaning of causing something to turn away is inherent in the verb itself, often used with prepositions like "away from" or "off of.")

Related Idioms

• "Deflect the blame": To shift responsibility for a mistake or problem onto someone or something else.
  • Instead of apologizing, he tried to deflect the blame onto his team.

Verb

1. impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
   • block an attack
2. draw someone's attention away from something
   • The thief distracted the bystanders
   • He deflected his competitors
3. turn aside and away from an initial or intended course
4. turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of interest
5. prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
   • Let's avoid a confrontation
   • head off a confrontation
   • avert a strike