deflect

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To make (something) deviate from its original path or position.

2. 2

   To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it…

   To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.

   • The defender deflected the cross into his own net.
3. 3

   To deviate from an original path or position.

4. ›+ 3 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).

      • The Prime Minister deflected some increasingly pointed questions by claiming he had an appointment.
   2. 5

      To divert (attention, etc.).

      • Certainly there was much in the relationship itself that, with so much energy deflected into logistic maneuvering was never […] "worked out."
      • Critics suggest that Fernández, an unashamed populist and nationalist, is seeking to deflect attention from social disharmony at home.
   3. 6

      To redirect culpability to avoid it.

The neighborhood

• neighbordeflection