deflect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When Exxon Mobil counterpunched with its defamation claim, Mr. Bonta’s spokesperson called it “another attempt from Exxon Mobil to deflect attention from its own unlawful deception.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

In Babies, Steven often uses humour to deflect from what he is really feeling, a coping mechanism that masks the depth of his grief.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Mortensen appears to deflect one that flies in the direction of where the child is sitting.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

In December, The Times revealed that the city’s after-action report had been altered to deflect criticism of LAFD’s failure to predeploy engines and crews to the Palisades, among other shortcomings.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

I continued to bedevil the Law Society and registrar with demands, which they continued to deflect.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela