deflect🔊

To make (something) deviate from its original path or position.

(ball games) To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.

To deviate from an original path or position.

(figuratively) To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.). +

(figuratively) To divert (attention, etc.).

(psychology) To redirect culpability to avoid it.