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deflect

[dɪˈflɛkt]

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

Synonyms for deflect

Antonyms for deflect

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 chip on one's shoulder

    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

  • to shift responsibility for something to someone else

    Example

    He tried to deflect blame for the accident onto his colleague.

  • to avoid or redirect negative comments or feedback

    Example

    The politician tried to deflect criticism by pointing out his opponent's flaws.

  • to divert someone's focus or interest away from a particular topic or issue

    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'

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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.