Definition of the word deflect

The word "deflect" has its origins in Latin. The Latin word "deflectere" means "to bend" or "to turn aside." This Latin verb is a combination of "de" meaning "down" or "away," and "flectere" meaning "to bend" or "to flex." In English, the word "deflect" was first used in the 15th century as a verb meaning "to bend or turn away." Over time, its meaning expanded to include "to divert or turn aside from a course or purpose," often in a way that deflects or absorbs force or energy. In modern usage, the word "deflect" is commonly used in various contexts, including physics (as in deflecting a projectile or light beam), sports (as in deflecting a ball or puck), or even human interactions (as in deflecting criticism or emotion). Despite its evolution, the core idea of "deflect" remains rooted in its Latin origins, emphasizing the concept of turning or bending something away from its original path.