deflect
15 synonyms and 0 antonyms for deflect, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To cause something to change direction, usually by bouncing or glancing off.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use deflect
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin deflecto, from de- ("away") + flecto ("to bend").
Full origin of deflect →Frequently asked questions
What does “deflect” mean?
The word “deflect” means to cause something to change direction, usually by bouncing or glancing off. In plain terms, to bounce something off course, or to dodge a difficult question instead of answering it.
How do you pronounce “deflect”?
“Deflect” is pronounced dih-FLEHKT (/dɪˈflɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “deflect” in a sentence?
Here is “deflect” used in a sentence: “The goalkeeper deflected the shot over the crossbar.”
What part of speech is “deflect”?
“Deflect” is a verb.
Where does the word “deflect” come from?
The word “deflect” comes from Latin. From Latin deflecto, from de- ("away") + flecto ("to bend").
How many meanings does “deflect” have?
“Deflect” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cause something to change direction, usually by bouncing or glancing off.