deflect /(dē̇*flĕkt")/

imp. & p. p. Deflected; p. pr. & vb. n. Deflecting

1. To cause to turn aside; to bend; as, rays of light are often deflected; to deflect a punch; to deflect criticism by acknowledging a mistake.

   Sitting with their knees deflected under them.

1. 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.

   To deflect from the line of truth and reason.