verb
deflect
dih-FLEHKT
Deflect (verb) means to cause something to change direction, usually by bouncing or glancing off. Example: “The goalkeeper deflected the shot over the crossbar.”
verb
1
To cause something to change direction, usually by bouncing or glancing off.
"The goalkeeper deflected the shot over the crossbar."
"His shield deflected the arrow."
2
To avoid dealing directly with a question, criticism, or blame.
"The minister deflected every question about the scandal."
How to use deflect
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo bounce something off course, or to dodge a difficult question instead of answering it.
Common pairings
deflect criticism
deflect blame
deflect a question
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- deflects
- Past tense
- deflected
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The goalkeeper _____ the shot over the crossbar.
Etymology
From Latin deflecto, from de- ("away") + flecto ("to bend").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for deflect
See all rhymes for 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.
