# deflected

/dɪˈfɫɛktɪd/ (US) · /dɪflˈɛktɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deflected
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

to change the direction of something that is moving, often by hitting it or putting something in its way. It can also mean turning someone's attention away from a topic.

For teachers: past tense and past participle of 'deflect'; refers to causing an object to change course by interposing an obstacle or redirecting a person's attention or criticism.

## Examples

- The goalkeeper deflected the ball over the bar.
- The politician deflected the reporter's difficult question by talking about his recent successes instead.
- The asteroid's path was slightly deflected by the gravitational pull of the passing moon, preventing a direct collision with the planet's surface.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object representing the object or attention being redirected.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.