Meaning & use
deflecting
Last updated
Causing something to change direction after striking a surface, or avoiding and redirecting criticism, attention, or blame.
See it in a sentence
The goalkeeper made a spectacular save, deflecting the shot over the crossbar.
The politician kept deflecting questions about the scandal.
A note on using this word
"Deflecting" is used both literally, for physical objects changing course, and figuratively, for avoiding difficult questions or blame.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
confrontingabsorbing
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