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Deflect: meaning, definitions and examples

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deflect

 

[ dɪˈflɛkt ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

physics

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

Synonyms

avert, divert, redirect

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

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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "deflect" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desviar

🇮🇳 विचलित करना

🇩🇪 ablenken

🇮🇩 mengalihkan

🇺🇦 відхиляти

🇵🇱 odchylać

🇯🇵 そらす

🇫🇷 dévier

🇪🇸 desviar

🇹🇷 saptırmak

🇰🇷 피하다

🇸🇦 يحول

🇨🇿 odklonit

🇸🇰 odkloniť

🇨🇳 偏转

🇸🇮 preusmeriti

🇮🇸 víkja

🇰🇿 ауытқу

🇬🇪 გადახრა

🇦🇿 yayındırmaq

🇲🇽 desviar

Etymology

The word 'deflect' originated from the Latin word 'deflectere', which means 'to bend down'. It has been used in English since the 15th century, originally in the sense of turning aside or deviating. Over time, it has evolved to encompass the idea of redirecting or preventing something from its original course.

See also: deflection.

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.