Turns something aside or causes it to change direction; in conversation, avoids answering a question directly.
From Latin 'deflectere' (de- 'away' + flectere 'to bend'). The figurative sense of avoiding or evading developed by the 1600s when people began using 'deflect' metaphorically for arguments and accusations.
When you deflect during an argument, you're using the same physical principle as a shield—you're not blocking the attack directly, you're angling it away. This is why skilled debaters recognize deflection as a red flag that someone doesn't want to engage with the real question.
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