deflect

Meaning

1. (transitive) To make (something) deviate from its original path or position.
2. (transitive) To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.
3. (intransitive) To deviate from an original path or position.
4. (figuratively, transitive) To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).
5. (figuratively, transitive) To divert (attention, etc.).
6. To redirect culpability to avoid it.

Synonyms

divert

swerve

diverge

turn away

deviate

bend

avert

block

turn

ward off

veer

forefend

forfend

sidetrack

turn aside

distract

debar

fend off

stave off

parry

digress

head off

obviate

avoid

depart

aberrate

diviate

wander

warp

yaw

bounce

stray

shift

shunt

detour

deter

blockade

deflected

decline

foil

fight off

cross

bilk

fend

eschew

cramp

embarrass

drop by

convert

beat back

Translations

détourner

desviar

dévier

çevirmek

desviar

desviar

deviare

distraire

declino

abfälschen

umleiten

einfedern

éviter

deflettere

abbiegen

Pronounced as (IPA)

/dɪˈflɛkt/

Etymology

From Latin deflecto, from de- (“away”) + flecto (“to bend”).