deflected; deflecting; deflects
: to turn (something) aside especially from a straight course or fixed direction
armor that deflects bullets
deflecting attention from the troubled economy
deflect a question
: to turn aside : deviate
the shot deflected off the goalie's shoulder pad
Examples of deflect in a Sentence
armor that can deflect bullets
The goalie deflected the ball with his hands.
The ball deflected off the goalie's shoulder.
They are trying to deflect attention from the troubled economy.
The blame was deflected from the chairman.
Recent Examples on the Web
Almost all evidence of our home’s existence is gone, save the growing text record of hundreds of messages of concern, condolences and offers to help — and my grateful responses, each one punctuated by jokes and deflecting.
—
Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025
The shape of the breeds' eyes, ears, paws and tails helps deflect cold temperatures, and many have a double coat, with water-resistant bristles giving way to longer, downy fur.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
For Meta, deregulation might be a strategy to: Alleviate Regulatory Pressures: By stepping back from certain responsibilities, Meta could deflect growing scrutiny from governments worldwide.
—Amy Blankson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
The puck deflected off Nico Hischier’s stick and past Markström.
—Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deflect 
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Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025
The shape of the breeds' eyes, ears, paws and tails helps deflect cold temperatures, and many have a double coat, with water-resistant bristles giving way to longer, downy fur.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
For Meta, deregulation might be a strategy to: Alleviate Regulatory Pressures: By stepping back from certain responsibilities, Meta could deflect growing scrutiny from governments worldwide.
—Amy Blankson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
The puck deflected off Nico Hischier’s stick and past Markström.
—Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deflect
Dictionary Entries Near deflect
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflect. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deflect
verb
de·flect
di-ˈflekt 
: to turn or cause to turn aside (as from a course, direction, or position)
a bullet deflected by striking a wall
deflection
noun
-ˈflek-shən
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