Need another word for Deflect? Use these synonyms of Deflect from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
divert
redirect
turn
avert
parry
dodge
evade
avoid
sidestep
circumvent
obviate
prevent
hinder
block
impede
resist
repel
refute
deny
dismiss
reject
flick
brush
push
shift
veer
swerve
curve
bend
twist
spin
throw
send
toss
flip
deflect
repulse
rebuff
parry
sidetrack
divert
deviate
stray
wander
swerve
veer
shunt
turn
divert
shift
change
alter
modify
amend
revise
reorient
reposition
realign
readjust.
Meaning of Deflect
According to Merriam-Webster, "deflect" means to bend or turn (something, such as a beam of light) away from a straight course, or to cause (something, such as attention or blame) to be directed away from someone or something.
Definitions
- The Cambridge Dictionary defines "deflect" as to bend or change the direction of something, such as a beam of light, or to make someone stop paying attention to something and start paying attention to something else.
- The Oxford Dictionary defines "deflect" as to bend or cause to bend away from a straight course, or to divert or turn aside (attention, criticism, etc.) from something.
Example Uses
- The athlete used her quick reflexes to deflect the ball and prevent a goal.
- The politician tried to deflect criticism by changing the subject during the debate.
- The mirror is designed to deflect the sun's rays and reduce glare.
- The company's PR team worked to deflect negative attention from the scandal by releasing a statement.