deflect
dih-FLEKT
/dɪˈflɛkt/
To cause something to change direction by interposing something; to turn aside from a straight course.
In combat, it means to parry a blow so it misses, rather than absorbing its full force.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'de' (away) and 'flectere' (to bend). Literally, it means 'to bend away.' This same root gives us 'flexible' and 'reflex.'
Word relationships
- parry: Parry is specifically used for weapons or strikes; deflect is a more general term for changing direction.
- divert: Divert often implies a more planned or long-term change of course, while deflect is often sudden.
- absorb: To absorb is to take the full force of something; to deflect is to make it miss.
- attract: To attract is to pull something toward you, the opposite of turning it away.
Commonly confused with
- reflect: Reflect means to send something back the way it came; deflect means to send it off to the side.
Word family
- deflection (noun): The action of deflecting or the state of being deflected.
- deflector (noun): An object that deflects something.
Collocations
- deflect criticism
- deflect a blow
- deflect attention
Example sentences
- "With a flick of his wrist, he was able to deflect the sword strike away from his chest." Describing a defensive move.
- "The politician tried to deflect the reporter's question by talking about a different topic." Metaphorical use in conversation.
Memory hook
Think of a 'flexible' sword that 'deflects' (bends away) an attack. Deflect = Bend away.
When not to use
Don't use it for 'stopping' something completely; it implies the object keeps moving but in a different direction.
Fun facts
- In physics, the 'deflection' of light by gravity is a key proof of Einstein's theory of general relativity.
Explore more words
deflection, feint, diversion, obstruct, counterattack, forestall
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.