Deflecting: meaning, definitions and examples
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deflecting
[ dɪˈflɛktɪŋ ]
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.
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
Translations of the word "deflecting" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desviando
🇮🇳 विकर्णन
🇩🇪 ablenken
🇮🇩 defleksi
🇺🇦 відхилення
🇵🇱 odchylanie
🇯🇵 逸脱する
🇫🇷 déviation
🇪🇸 desviación
🇹🇷 saptırma
🇰🇷 편향
🇸🇦 انحراف
🇨🇿 odchylování
🇸🇰 odchýlenie
🇨🇳 偏离
🇸🇮 odklon
🇮🇸 frávik
🇰🇿 бұрылыс
🇬🇪 გაფუჭება
🇦🇿 sapma
🇲🇽 desviación
Etymology
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.