deflect

/dɪˈflɛkt/
verb
  1. To cause something to change direction, especially after hitting something.
    • A thick layer of armor can deflect bullets.
    • The goalkeeper managed to deflect the ball away from the goal.
    • The mirror deflected the sunlight onto the ceiling.
  2. To avoid or turn aside something such as criticism, blame, or attention.
    • The politician deflected criticism by focusing on positive achievements.
    • He tried to deflect the blame onto his coworker.
    • She deflected the question by changing the subject.
Antonyms
What does "deflect" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean