deflect
UK: dɪˈflɛkt | US: dɪˈflɛkt
vt. to cause something to change direction by interposing something; turn aside from a straight course
vi. to turn aside or deviate from a straight path or course
The word deflect originates from Latin deflectere, combining dē- ("away") and flectere ("to bend"). It entered English in the mid-16th century, retaining its core idea of "bending away" or "turning aside." The logic is straightforward: to deflect is to bend something (like light, sound, or an object) away from its original path.
The mirror deflected the sunlight onto the wall.
She deflected the question by changing the subject.
The shield deflected the arrow harmlessly.
His criticism was deflected by her calm response.
The pilot deflected the plane’s course to avoid turbulence.