Definition

To deflect means to cause something to change direction or to avoid a direct impact, either intentionally or unintentionally. It can also refer to the act of avoiding or redirecting attention, criticism, or blame.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of speech

Verb

Synonyms

Divert, re-direct, shift, avert, sidetrack, evade, dodge, parry

Antonyms

Direct, confront, face, meet, absorb, accept

Example sentences

  • The windshield of the car deflected the small rock that was kicked up by the truck in front of us.
  • The politician deflected questions about her voting record by pivoting to a different topic.
  • The boxer was able to deflect his opponent’s punches with his quick reflexes.
  • The company tried to deflect blame for the product’s failure onto its suppliers.

Usage

Deflect is a versatile verb that can be used in a variety of contexts. It is often used in a physical sense, to describe the way that an object or force is redirected or avoided. For example, a bulletproof vest is designed to deflect bullets away from the wearer’s body, and a shield can be used to deflect incoming attacks in a battle or combat situation.

Deflect can also be used in a more abstract sense, to describe the way that attention, criticism, or blame is redirected or avoided. For example, a politician might deflect questions about a scandal by focusing on a different issue, or a celebrity might deflect negative comments by changing the subject or making a joke.

The word “deflect” can be used with various prefixes and suffixes to create related words. For example, the prefix “self-” can be added to create the word “self-deflection,” which refers to the act of avoiding or deflecting criticism or blame onto oneself. The suffix “-ion” can be added to create “deflection,” which refers to the act of deflecting or avoiding something. The word “deflector” can be used to describe an object or device that is used to deflect or redirect something, such as a deflector shield in science fiction.

In summary, deflect is a verb that can be used to describe physical or abstract redirection or avoidance. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from combat and sports to politics and interpersonal relationships. Deflect can also be used with prefixes and suffixes to create related words that describe different aspects of redirection or avoidance