Verb > Deflect
1 : a (+ object) : to cause (something that is moving) to change direction
armor that can deflect bullets
The goalie deflected the ball with his hands.
b : (no object) : to hit something and suddenly change direction
The ball deflected off the goalie’s shoulder.
2 : (+ object) : to keep (something, such as a question) from affecting or being directed at a person or thing
She’s skilled at deflecting (=avoiding) questions/criticism.
They are trying to deflect attention from the troubled economy.
The blame was deflected from the chairman.