verb
deflect
dih-FLEKT/dɪˈflekt/
To turn something aside from its course.
The angled metal plate deflects the horizontal jet of water downward.
Etymology
The pieces give the image of bending something away from its course. That physical turning aside also describes redirecting something from its original purpose.
In context
police in an impossible position and is forcing officers to interpret the vague and poorly defined legislation. Humza Yousaf is in effect using our police force as a shield to deflect all the flaws in this law.
More examples
- The shield deflected the arrow.
- He deflects criticism by blaming his coworkers.
- She deflected attention from the mistake by changing the subject.
Forms
deflect · deflects · deflected · deflecting
deflection noun — The act of turning something aside.
Similar words
- divert
- Often changes an entire route rather than just its angle.
- redirect
- Emphasizes sending something toward a new destination or purpose.