Synonyms

deflected

American

[dih-flek-tid] / dɪˈflɛk tɪd /

adjective

Biology.

curved or bent downward.
deflexed.

Other Word Forms

nondeflected adjective
undeflected adjective

Etymology

Origin of deflected

First recorded in 1820–30; deflect + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Staley deflected a reporter’s questions about what Auriemma claimed she said to officials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

They were lucky to beat Ukraine, outplayed for much of the game but thankful for Gareth Bale's deflected free-kick, following his two brilliant goals in the semi-final win over Austria.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

What many saw was a cautious career prosecutor who was forced to testify under duress and who deflected questions from both Democrats and Republicans by referring repeatedly to his voluminous report.

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

That’s when Hilary Knight deflected a Laila Edwards slap shot past Canadian goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens to even the score and eventually send the game to overtime.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

It was time for Will to become inconspicuous again, so he performed the magic that had deflected all kinds of curiosity away from his mother and kept them safe for years.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023