Term: deflect

deflect (verb): to cause something to change direction; or, figuratively, to turn away a question, blame, or criticism toward someone or something else.

synonyms: divert, sidetrack, parry, avert, pivot. 

pronunciation: /dɪˈflekt/ 

translation: novirzīt, atvairīt, novērst 

example: The politician tried to deflect the reporter’s question about the scandal by talking about the improving economy instead. 

other words from this root: deflection (noun), deflector (noun).

Contextual Usage

• Physical: “The goalkeeper managed to deflect the ball with his fingertips, sending it over the crossbar.”
• Psychological/Social: “When I asked him why the project was late, he tried to deflect the blame onto the IT department.”
• Scientific: “Magnetic fields can deflect the path of charged particles.”