Textual thesaurus for "deflect"

(verb) block, parry

impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball)

block an attack

(verb) distract

draw someone's attention away from something

The thief distracted the bystanders; He deflected his competitors

(verb) bend, turn away

turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of interest

(verb) forefend, forfend, fend off, stave off, avert, avoid, obviate, debar, ward off, head off

prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening

Let's avoid a confrontation; head off a confrontation; avert a strike