deflect Definition
- 1to cause something to change direction, or to prevent it from hitting something directly by making it go in a different direction
- 2to avoid talking about something directly
Using deflect: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "deflect" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The goalie deflected the ball with his foot.
Example
She deflected the question by changing the subject.
Example
The shield deflected the incoming arrows.
Example
He tried to deflect attention from his mistakes.
deflect Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using deflect
a protective garment worn over the torso that is designed to deflect or stop bullets
Example
The police officer was saved by his bulletproof vest, which deflected the bullet.
a perceived grievance or sense of inferiority that causes a person to be easily angered or offended
Example
He always had a chip on his shoulder and would deflect any criticism with hostility.
a phrase that means the speaker is willing to take responsibility for a decision or problem
Example
As the CEO, I know that the buck stops here and I am ultimately responsible for the company's success or failure.
Phrases with deflect
Example
He tried to deflect blame for the accident onto his colleague.
Example
The politician tried to deflect criticism by pointing out his opponent's flaws.
Example
The celebrity tried to deflect attention from her personal life by talking about her new movie.
Origins of deflect
from Latin 'deflectere', meaning 'to bend away'
Summary: deflect in Brief
The verb 'deflect' [dɪˈflɛkt] means to cause something to change direction or to avoid talking about something directly. It can refer to physical objects, such as deflecting a ball or arrows, or abstract concepts, such as deflecting blame or criticism. Common phrases include 'deflect blame' and 'deflect attention,' while idioms like 'a chip on one's shoulder' and 'the buck stops here' use the word metaphorically.