Deflect Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
deflect
[dษชหflษkt ]
Definitions
physics
To cause something to change direction, or to prevent something from having its full effect.
Synonyms
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.
|
| redirect |
Used when directing something or someone to a new or different place or purpose. It can be about attention, resources, or physical movement.
|
| avert |
Commonly used to describe actions taken to prevent something bad from happening. It implies proactive measures to stop a potential issue or danger.
|
| 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.
|
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.
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.
|
| distract |
Appropriate in situations where there's a need to divert someoneโs attention from the main focus or task.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
Examples of usage
- She tried to deflect the conversation to a more positive topic.
- He always deflects from the main issue.
sports
A technique used in sports to block or change the direction of an object.
Synonyms
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.
|
| block |
Use when you want to describe preventing something from moving or passing through. It suggests a complete obstruction.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
Examples of usage
- The player used a deflect to prevent the goal.
- The deflect was successful in stopping the opponent.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'deflect'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
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.
- ...
- 19264 regionally
- 19265 creosote
- 19266 mop
- 19267 deflect
- 19268 stabbing
- 19269 dived
- 19270 gelatinous
- ...