deflect

Deflect, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deflected; p. pr. & vb. n. Deflecting.]

Etymology: [L. deflectere; de- + flectere to bend or turn. See Flexible.]

To cause to turn aside; to bend; as, rays of light are often deflected. Sitting with their knees deflected under them. Lord (1630).

1 other Webster entry under this spelling

Deflect, v. i.

To turn aside; to deviate from a right or a horizontal line, or from a proper position, course or direction; to swerve. At some part of the Azores, the needle deflecteth not, but lieth in the true meridian. Sir T. Browne. To deflect from the line of truth and reason. Warburton.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for deflect; he lists it under bend.

Where he writes about it:

Deflect, deviate, and diverge are said of any turning away; deviate commonly of a slight and gradual movement, diverge of a more sharp and decided one. — from bend

Synonyms

bend bias bow crook curve deviate diverge incline influence mold persuade stoop submit turn twine twist warp yield

Antonyms

none given

etymology Webster’s online