Definitions for: Deflect


[v] impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball), as in sports or fights; "block an attack"
[v] draw someone's attention away from something; "The thief distracted the bystanders"; "He deflected his competitors"
[v] turn aside
[v] turn from a straight course , fixed direction, or line of interest
[v] prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"



Webster (1913) Definition: De*flect", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deflected; p. pr. &
vb. n. Deflecting.] [L. deflectere; de- + flectere to bend
or turn. See Flexible.]
To cause to turn aside; to bend; as, rays of light are often
deflected.

Sitting with their knees deflected under them. --Lord
(1630).


De*flect", v. i.
To turn aside; to deviate from a right or a horizontal line,
or from a proper position, course or direction; to swerve.

At some part of the Azores, the needle deflecteth not,
but lieth in the true meridian. --Sir T.
Browne.

To deflect from the line of truth and reason.
--Warburton.

Synonyms: avert, avoid, bend, block, debar, deviate, distract, fend off, head off, obviate, parry, stave off, turn away, ward off

See Also: confuse, disconcert, fence, flurry, forbid, foreclose, forestall, preclude, prevent, put off, turn

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