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 deflects the ball with his glove.
• The mirror deflects sunlight into the room.
• She deflects criticism by changing the subject.
• The politician deflects difficult questions during interviews.
• The shield deflects the enemy’s arrows.
• He always deflects compliments with humor.
• The curved wall deflects sound waves effectively.