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Definition of deflect

deflect

/dɪˈflɛkt/
de · flect
Adjective:deflective
•
Past Simple:deflected
•
Past Participle:deflected
•
Present Participle:deflecting
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deflect Lexical Profile

deflect Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To direct criticism, blame, or unwanted attention away from oneself or toward someone or something else.

Example

"The spokesperson tried to deflect tough questions about the budget by highlighting recent achievements."

2

To cause something to change direction or turn aside from a straight course, especially after hitting a surface.

Example

"The goalkeeper managed to deflect the ball over the crossbar just in time."

3

To swerve or turn aside from a straight course or intended path.

Example

"The bullet deflected off the steel plate and embedded itself in the wall."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for deflect
Antonyms
View all antonyms for deflect

• Rhymes for deflect

• Nearby Words

deflated
deflation
deflationary
deflect
deflectable
deflection
deflector

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin deflectere, meaning 'to bend aside', formed from the prefix de- ('away from') and flectere ('to bend').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deflect. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deflect
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