deflect

views updated Jun 27 2018

de·flect / diˈflekt/ • v. [tr.] cause (something) to change direction; turn aside from a straight course: the bullet was deflected into the ceiling fig. he attempted to deflect attention away from his private life. ∎  [intr.] (of an object) change direction after hitting something: the ball deflected off his body. ∎  cause (someone) to deviate from an intended purpose: she'll not be deflected from her goals. ∎  cause (something) to change orientation.

deflect

views updated May 09 2018

deflect XVII. — L. dēflectere, f. DE- 3 + flectere bend.
So deflexion, deflection XVII.

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