deflect
UK[dɪˈflekt]US[dɪˈflekt]
v
To cause something to change direction by hitting or touching it.
v
To succeed in preventing something from being directed at you or affecting you.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
flect
de
away
flect
to bend
Etymology
The word "deflect" originates from the Latin verb deflectere, a compound of the prefix de- ("away from") and the verb flectere ("to bend"). The literal, physical sense of "to bend or turn something away" traveled directly into English in the mid-16th century. This core mechanical meaning logically extended to more abstract senses, such as turning away criticism, questions, or blame. The underlying logic of the word remains clear: to cause a path, whether physical or metaphorical, to bend off its original course.
Analysis
Structure: de (away) + flect (to bend)
de: A Latin prefix meaning "away from," "down," or "off." It indicates reversal or removal.
flect: From the Latin root flectere, meaning "to bend." It is a bound root that appears in English words related to bending or turning.
Examples
The wall was built to deflect strong winds from the house.
The politician skillfully deflected questions about the scandal.
The goalie deflected the shot with a quick glove save.