deflect
Translation
to deflect, to divert, to parry
Examples
The shield deflected the arrow.
The shield deflected the arrow.
He deflected the question with a joke.
He deflected the question with a joke.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to deflect (sth.) The shield deflected the arrow.
((sth.)) ((from sth.)) to deflect (sth.) from (sth.) He deflected attention from his mistakes.
Similar Words
Synonyms: divert, avert, parry; Antonyms: attract, absorb
Etymology
From the prefix 'de-' (away from) and Latin 'flectere' (to bend). Literally 'to bend away'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a ray of light hitting a mirror and 'bending away' (deflecting). This applies to physical objects or abstract things like questions.