Deflect: meaning, definitions and examples

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deflect

[dɪˈflɛkt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

physics

To cause something to change direction, or to prevent something from having its full effect.

Synonyms

avert, divert, redirect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
deflect	Used when something, like a physical object or a comment, is made to change direction after hitting something. Also, in conversations, it implies avoiding answering directly. She used her shield to deflect the arrow. He deflected the question by changing the topic.
redirect	Used when directing something or someone to a new or different place or purpose. It can be about attention, resources, or physical movement. They redirected funds to support the new project. Please redirect your letters to this new address.
avert	Commonly used to describe actions taken to prevent something bad from happening. It implies proactive measures to stop a potential issue or danger. Quick thinking helped to avert a disaster. She averted her eyes when the scene became too intense.
divert	Typically used when redirecting or re-routing something, such as traffic or attention. It often implies a change of course to an alternative path. The police diverted traffic due to the accident. She tried to divert his attention from the pain by telling a joke.

Examples of usage

He deflected questions about his personal life with humor.
The armor deflected the arrow away from the knight.
The goalie deflected the ball with his hand.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

conversation

To turn aside or deviate from a purpose.

Synonyms

distract, sidetrack, steer away.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
deflect	Used when someone wants to turn aside direct attention or criticism, often to avoid it. Can have a slightly negative connotation as it may imply avoidance of responsibility. The politician tried to deflect the questions about the scandal. She attempted to deflect the blame onto her colleague.
distract	Appropriate in situations where there's a need to divert someone’s attention from the main focus or task. He tried to distract the kids with a story while their mother prepared dinner. The loud noise outside distracted me from my work.
sidetrack	Used when someone is led away from an intended course or main issue, usually temporarily. It might indicate an interruption or deviation from the main topic. We were talking about the budget, but somehow got sidetracked into discussing our next holiday. Don't let minor issues sidetrack you from your main goals.
steer away	Used when someone is gently guided or directed away from a particular topic, path, or behavior. Often used in a more intentional and strategic manner. She tried to steer the conversation away from politics. Parents often try to steer their children away from bad influences.

Examples of usage

She tried to deflect the conversation to a more positive topic.
He always deflects from the main issue.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

sports

A technique used in sports to block or change the direction of an object.

Synonyms

block, intercept, stop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
deflect	Use when you want to describe something that changes direction after hitting an obstacle. It often implies a slight change in course rather than a complete stop. The shield can deflect bullets. He tried to deflect the conversation away from the sensitive topic.
block	Use when you want to describe preventing something from moving or passing through. It suggests a complete obstruction. She used her hand to block the ball. The road was blocked by fallen trees.
intercept	Use when you want to describe catching or stopping something on its way to a particular destination. It often implies an active effort to interrupt something. The police were able to intercept the stolen car. The football player intercepted the pass.
stop	Use when you want to describe bringing something to a complete halt. This is a general term and can be used in various situations. Please stop the car here. She managed to stop the bleeding.

Examples of usage

The player used a deflect to prevent the goal.
The deflect was successful in stopping the opponent.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'deflectere,' which means 'to bend away' or 'to turn aside.'
In English, it has been used since the early 15th century, originally describing physical objects changing direction.
The prefix 'de-' indicates removal, while 'flectere' relates to bending, illustrating the idea of changing path.

Science

In physics, deflection refers to the change in direction of an object after it collides with another surface.
Deflection is crucial in engineering, where structures are designed to handle forces without bending excessively.
Light can also be deflected through prisms, which separate white light into a spectrum of colors, as seen in rainbows.

Psychology

Deflection can describe the tactic of avoiding direct confrontation in communication, often used to protect oneself from uncomfortable topics.
In therapy, some individuals may deflect questions to avoid revealing their emotions or thoughts.
Psychological deflection allows people to shift focus from their feelings to external factors, often as a defense mechanism.

Sports

In sports like soccer, a deflection can change the trajectory of the ball, often leading to unexpected goals.
Players may use deflecting techniques to redirect the ball away from opponents, demonstrating agility and strategic play.
Understanding how to deflect passes or shots is key in many team sports to maintain possession.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters often deflect bullets or attacks, showcasing skill and agility in action scenes.
The idea of deflecting criticism is a common theme in comedy, where characters use humor to avoid serious repercussions.
In video games, many characters utilize shields or moves that deflect attacks, adding strategic elements to gameplay.

Translations

Translations of the word "deflect" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desviar

refletir
desviar-se

🇮🇳 विचलित करना

प्रतिविम्बित करना
हटा देना

🇩🇪 ablenken

reflektieren
abwehren

🇮🇩 mengalihkan

memantulkan
menangkis

🇺🇦 відхиляти

відбивати
ухилятися

🇵🇱 odchylać

odbijać
unikać

🇯🇵 そらす

反射する
避ける

🇫🇷 dévier

refléter
esquiver

🇪🇸 desviar

reflejar
esquivar

🇹🇷 saptırmak

yansıtmak
savuşturmak

🇰🇷 피하다

반사하다
빗나가다

🇸🇦 يحول

يعكس
يتجنب

🇨🇿 odklonit

odrážet
vyhnout se

🇸🇰 odkloniť

odrážať
vyhnúť sa

🇨🇳 偏转

反射
避开

🇸🇮 preusmeriti

odsevati
izogniti se

🇮🇸 víkja

endurspegla
forðast

🇰🇿 ауытқу

шағылдыру
аулақ болу

🇬🇪 გადახრა

ასახვა
აცილება

🇦🇿 yayındırmaq

əks etdirmək
yayındırmaq

🇲🇽 desviar

reflejar
esquivar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,267, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19264 regionally
19265 creosote
19266 mop
19267 deflect
19268 stabbing
19269 dived
19270 gelatinous
...