deflect

To avoid dealing directly with a question, complaint, or criticism.

• He deflected the question with a joke.
• The manager tried to deflect criticism.
• She deflected blame by pointing to the unclear instructions.

How to use it: deflect something by doing something (He deflected the question by changing the subject.)

Similar words: dodge, sidestep, evade

Common phrases: deflect criticism, deflect a question, deflect blame

To make something move in a different direction by hitting or blocking it.

• The shield deflected the blow.
• A wall deflected the ball toward me.
• This surface can deflect light in different directions.

How to use it: deflect something away from something (The barrier deflected the blast away from the crowd.)

Similar words: redirect, turn aside

Common phrases: deflect a blow, deflect something away, deflect a ball

To touch a ball after a shot or pass, changing its direction unexpectedly.

• The defender deflected the shot.
• She deflected the cross into the net.
• The ball deflected off his knee and surprised the goalkeeper.

How to use it: deflect something into something (He deflected the ball into his own goal.); deflect off something (The shot deflected off a defender.)

Similar words: redirect

Common phrases: deflect a shot, deflect a cross, deflect into something