deflected; deflecting; deflects
1
: to cause (something) to change direction especially from a straight course
armor that deflects bullets
deflecting attention from the troubled economy
deflect a question
2
: to keep (something, as a question) from affecting or being directed at a person or thing
was able to deflect criticism
: to hit something and change direction
the shot deflected off the goalie's shoulder pad
de·flec·tor
də̇ˈflektə(r)
(ˈ)dē¦f-
plural -s
: one that deflects
especially
: a baffle (as in a furnace or ventilating system or on a conveyor) to turn to one side part or all of the forward-moving stream (as of heated air)
Cite this Entry
“Deflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflect. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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