To turn aside, especially from a straight or fixed course.
Example:
The stealth technology used on some of our bombers and fighter planes works by deflecting radar energy.
The physical meaning of deflect is frequently used. Thus, residents along rivers will build levees to deflect flood waters away from their homes, and workers wear eye shields to deflect tiny particles flying out of machines. But the nonphysical meaning is also common. Politicians make highly publicized trips to deflect attention from scandals or a terrible economy. Celebrities make a show of giving to charity to deflect resentment over the amount of money they make. And we all have tried to change the subject to deflect questions we really didn't want to answer.