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deflect. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
deflect, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
deflect in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
deflect you have here. The definition of the word
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deflect, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Latin deflecto, from de- (“away”) + flecto (“to bend”).
Pronunciation
Verb
deflect (third-person singular simple present deflects, present participle deflecting, simple past and past participle deflected)
- (transitive) To make (something) deviate from its original path.
- (transitive, ball games) To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.
The defender deflected the cross into his own net.
- (intransitive) To deviate from its original path.
- (transitive, figuratively) To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).
- Synonym: elude
The Prime Minister deflected some increasingly pointed questions by claiming he had an appointment.
- (transitive, figuratively) To divert (attention, etc.).
3 January 2013, Luke Harding, Uki Goni, “Argentina urges UK to hand back Falklands and 'end colonialism”, in The Guardian:Critics suggest that Fernández, an unashamed populist and nationalist, is seeking to deflect attention from social disharmony at home.
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
to make a ball unpredictable
to avoid addressing questions, criticism etc.
to divert attention, etc.
Anagrams