Definition of Deflect

Verb: deflect di'flekt

Prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening
"deflect a strike";
- debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off
Turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of interest
- bend, turn away
Turn aside and away from an initial or intended course
Draw someone's attention away from something
"He deflected his competitors";
- distract
Impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)
"deflect an attack";
- parry, block