1. to cause something to change direction by hitting or blocking it
2. to turn aside or avoid dealing with something, especially criticism or questions

Examples

• The goalkeeper deflected the ball with his fingertips.
• The mirror deflected the laser beam toward the target.
• She tried to deflect criticism by changing the subject.
• The politician deflected the reporter’s tough questions.
• The shield deflected the arrow away from the knight.
• He deflected blame onto his assistant.
• The curved wall deflected the sound waves.