Deflected
/dɪˈflektɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo turn or cause to turn aside or away; swerve or deviate. Can also mean to prevent (something) from following a straight course.
/dɪˈflekt/
To cause (something moving) to change direction or turn aside
The shield deflected the arrow.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a billiard ball hitting another ball – the first one changes direction. It means to turn something or someone away from where they were going.
👶 For kids: To make something go in a different direction.
More Examples
He deflected the criticism with a joke.
The manager deflected questions about the scandal.
How It's Used
"The force of gravity deflected the asteroid's path."
"The goalie deflected the puck with his glove."
"She skillfully deflected the awkward question."
To turn aside or away; to cause someone to turn away from something.
/dɪˈflekt/
To turn aside attention or an interest
He deflected the blame onto his assistant.
💡 Simply: It's like avoiding a tricky question. You change the subject to avoid answering something directly.
👶 For kids: To turn your focus to something else.
More Examples
The politician deflected questions about his personal life.
She tried to deflect his attention from her mistakes.
How It's Used
"She skillfully deflected the reporter's question."
"The negotiator deflected the counter-offer with a delaying tactic."
From Latin *deflectere* meaning 'to bend down, turn aside,' from *de-* (down, away) + *flectere* (to bend). The word has been used in English since the 15th century.
The word 'deflect' was often used to describe physical actions, like the deflection of projectiles, in early literature. Later, it became common in political and social contexts.
Memory tip
Imagine a ball hitting a surface at an angle; it's deflected, changing direction. DE-FLECT – change the direction!
Word Origin
"to bend down, turn aside"