Deflect (Verb)
Meaning 1
Impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); "block an attack".
Classification
Verbs of fighting, athletic activities.
Examples
- The defender successfully managed to deflect the soccer ball with her knee to prevent the opponent's goal.
- The boxer deftly deflected his opponent's left hook to gain an opening for a counterattack.
- The volleyball team's libero skillfully deflected the opponent's attack at the net, sending the ball back to the opponent's court.
- The basketball player deflected the opponent's pass, stealing the ball and creating a fast break opportunity.
- The goalie deflected the slapshot with her glove, sending the puck flying into the stands.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of interest.
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Examples
- The pilot had to deflect the plane due to severe weather conditions.
- She expertly used a shield to deflect her opponent's kick in the martial arts competition.
- The spacecraft had to deflect off course to avoid collision with space debris.
- A sudden movement of his hand was enough to deflect the incoming soccer ball.
- She raised her umbrella to deflect the heavy downpour from her face.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Draw someone's attention away from something; "The thief distracted the bystanders"; "He deflected his competitors".
Classification
Verbs of feeling.
Examples
- The politician managed to deflect attention from the scandal by announcing a new tax reform.
- The comedian deflected criticism by turning the tables and making fun of himself.
- During the interview, she deflected questions about her personal life by talking about her career goals.
- The salesperson deflected concerns about the product's price by highlighting its unique features.
- The publicist deflected negative press by releasing a statement praising the company's efforts in charity work.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 4
Turn aside and away from an initial or intended course.
Classification
Verbs of walking, flying, swimming.
Examples
- The spacecraft's heat shield was designed to deflect the intense radiation and extreme temperatures of the planet's atmosphere.
- She tried to deflect the attention from herself by pointing to someone else in the room.
- A skilled diplomat, he knew how to deflect a potentially volatile situation with his calm and measured words.
- The missile defense system was programmed to detect and deflect incoming threats before they could cause harm.
- The pilot maneuvered the plane to deflect from the storm clouds that loomed ahead in the distance.
Related Words
Meaning 5
Prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The government implemented new safety measures to deflect a potential environmental disaster caused by the aging pipeline.
- The negotiators were able to deflect a strike by agreeing on better wages and working conditions for the union workers.
- The team's strong forechecking helped deflect a late-game surge by the opposing team's offense.
- The store's new security system was designed to deflect potential robberies by preventing intruders from entering the premises undetected.
- Police say the suspect was unable to deflect the investigation and eventually surrendered after being confronted with overwhelming evidence.