1. To change the direction or course of something, especially by causing it to bounce off or turn aside
The goalkeeper managed to deflect the ball away from the goal.
O goleiro conseguiu desviar a bola para longe do gol.
2. To turn aside or ward off something unwanted, such as an attack or criticism
She tried to deflect the question by changing the subject.
Ela tentou desviar a pergunta mudando de assunto.