Deflect

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dɪˈflÉ›kt/Rhymes: -É›kt

Full definition of deflect

Verb

1. (transitive) To make (something) deviate from its original path.
2. (intransitive) To deviate from its original path.
3. (transitive, figuratively) To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).The Prime Minister deflected some increasingly pointed questions by claiming he had an appointment.
4. (transitive, figuratively) To divert (attention, etc.).
• 2013, Luke Harding and Uki Goni, Argentina urges UK to hand back Falklands and 'end colonialism (in The Guardian, 3 January 2013)http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/02/argentina-britain-hand-back-falklandsCritics suggest that Fernández, an unashamed populist and nationalist, is seeking to deflect attention from social disharmony at home.