Deflection means causing something to change direction or bounce away from its original path. When a soccer goalie deflects a ball with their fingertips, they don't catch it but push it just enough to send it away from the goal. A knight's shield deflects arrows and sword strikes, causing them to glance off instead of landing direct hits.

The word appears often in physics and engineering. Scientists study how objects deflect when they collide or how light rays deflect when passing through glass. Basketball players practice deflecting passes to disrupt the other team's offense.

In conversation, deflection means steering away from an uncomfortable topic. When a student changes the subject to avoid discussing a poor grade, or someone tells a joke to deflect criticism, they're redirecting the discussion just like that goalie redirecting the soccer ball. A person who constantly deflects questions or responsibility can frustrate others who are trying to have an honest conversation.

The related word deflect is a verb: “The roof's angle helps deflect rainwater away from the foundation.”