#1
deflect v. [
debar, forefend, forfend, obviate, avert, head off, stave off, fend off, avoid, ward off] prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening; "Let's avoid a confrontation"; "head off a confrontation"; "avert a strike"
. wn #2
deflect v. [
bend, turn away] turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of interest
. wn #3
deflect v. turn aside and away from an initial or intended course
. wn #4
deflect v. [
distract] draw someone's attention away from something; "The thief distracted the bystanders"; "He deflected his competitors"
. wn #5
deflect v. [
parry, block] impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); "block an attack"
. wn