Deflecting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deflecting

[dษชหˆflษ›ktษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

redirecting actions

Deflecting refers to the act of causing something to change direction or to turn aside. This can apply to physical objects, such as a ball being deflected off a surface, or metaphorically, such as diverting a conversation or attack.

Synonyms

avoiding, distracting, diverting, redirecting.

Examples of usage

  • She deflected the ball with her racket.
  • He skillfully deflected the criticism.
  • The diplomat deflected the tough questions during the interview.
Context #2 | Verb

avoiding responsibility

In a social context, deflecting can mean to avoid taking responsibility or to shift focus to another topic or person. This can be a strategy to evade accountability in discussions.

Synonyms

dodge, evade, shift, sidestep.

Examples of usage

  • He always tries to deflect blame onto others.
  • She deflected the topic to her achievements instead.
  • It's easy to deflect questions when you're not prepared.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, deflection refers to the change in direction of waves, like light or sound, when they hit an object.
  • Aerodynamics studies how aircraft deflect air to achieve flight, focusing on wingsโ€™ shapes.
  • In optics, mirrors deflect light rays, allowing us to see reflections, fundamental in designing telescopes.

Psychology

  • Deflecting can be a defense mechanism where someone redirects feelings or blame away from themselves.
  • In communication, deflecting can help someone avoid difficult topics, which can be both beneficial and harmful.
  • Understanding deflection in behavior can aid in improving emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

Sports

  • In sports like soccer, deflecting is crucial; players often redirect the ball to change its course toward the goal.
  • Defense strategies often use deflection techniques to thwart an opponentโ€™s score attempts, like blocking shots in basketball.
  • In martial arts, deflecting an attack is a key skill, where the defender redirects the energy of an opponent's move.

Cultural References

  • Deflection has been used in literature, representing characters avoiding truths or responsibilities.
  • Movies often depict characters deflecting confrontation through humor or sarcasm, making the scene lighter.
  • In political discourse, leaders may deflect challenging questions to maintain control of the discussion.

Origin of 'deflecting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'deflectere', which means 'to bend away'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 15th century, initially describing physical movement.
  • In various fields, it broadly signifies redirecting thoughts, conversations, or actions.

The word 'deflect' originates from the Latin term 'deflectere', which means 'to bend aside'. This word is composed of 'de-' meaning 'down, away' and 'flectere' meaning 'to bend'. The term has evolved in English to encompass both a physical action, as in changing the course of an object, as well as metaphorical uses in conversation and behavior. The first known usage in English dates back to the late 15th century, illustrating its longstanding relevance in both everyday language and more formal discourse.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,260, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.