Deflected: meaning, definitions and examples

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deflected

 

[ dɪˈflɛktɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

physical change

Deflected means to cause something to change direction or to turn aside from its original path. It is often used in contexts where an object is redirected, such as a projectile or a ray of light. Deflection can also refer to a change in someone's focus or thoughts, as in deflecting a conversation or criticism. This term is commonly used in physics, sports, and everyday language when discussing avoidance or redirection.

Synonyms

diverted, redirected, turned aside

Examples of usage

  • The ball was deflected by the goalpost.
  • She deflected the critic’s comment with humor.
  • Light rays are deflected when they pass through a prism.

Translations

Translations of the word "deflected" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desviado

🇮🇳 विकृत

🇩🇪 abgelenkt

🇮🇩 teralihkan

🇺🇦 відхилений

🇵🇱 odchylony

🇯🇵 偏向した

🇫🇷 dévié

🇪🇸 desviado

🇹🇷 saptırılmış

🇰🇷 편향된

🇸🇦 منحرف

🇨🇿 odchýlený

🇸🇰 odchýlený

🇨🇳 偏斜的

🇸🇮 odklonjen

🇮🇸 vikið

🇰🇿 жұмсалған

🇬🇪 მოწყვეტილი

🇦🇿 sapdırılmış

🇲🇽 desviado

Word origin

The word 'deflect' originates from the Latin word 'deflectere', which combines 'de-' meaning 'down from' or 'away from' and 'flectere' meaning 'to bend'. This lineage reflects the idea of bending away from a straight path. The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, initially in the context of bending or turning aside in a physical sense. Over time, the usage has expanded to include metaphorical applications, such as diverting attention or shifting a conversation. The modern usage of 'deflected' as the past participle of 'deflect' captures both the physical and abstract meanings associated with this versatile term.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,657, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.