deflect off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deflect off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object changing direction after hitting a surface or another object. Example: "The ball deflected off the wall and landed in the opposite corner of the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The puck beat Lalime after appearing to deflect off a Senators player in front of him.

The New York Times - Sports

We know it could deflect off us and go in, but that's something we have to deal with.

The New York Times - Sports

He scored tonight on a long shot from the left point that seemed to deflect off Vladimir Malakhov's stick.

The New York Times - Sports

The shot appeared to deflect off the stick of Penguins defenseman Matt Niskanen and through the legs of a clearly frustrated Vokoun.

The New York Times - Sports

Pandolfo carried the puck over the Toronto blue line and made a drop pass to Niedermayer, whose shot appeared to deflect off Maple Leafs defenseman Ric Jackman.

The New York Times - Sports

As the Nationals' right fielder, Adam Dunn, turned around, the ball appeared to deflect off the Subway sign on the right-field overhang and drop to the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The holographic replica could draw on the archive of interviews to answer almost any question relevant to Gutter's personal history; it could also deflect off-the-wall queries.

The New Yorker

Still another deflected off the goal post.

The New York Times

It deflects off Dawson and wide.

The Guardian - Sport

The ball deflected off Park's right shin.

The New York Times - Sports

I think it may have got deflected off someone.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement in sports or physics, use "deflect off" to clearly indicate a change in direction upon impact. For example, "The puck deflected off the goalie's stick."

Common error

Avoid using "deflect off" interchangeably with verbs that imply absorption or penetration. "Deflect" specifically means to change direction, not to stop or be absorbed by something. Instead of "The bullet deflected off his vest" when the vest stopped the bullet completely, try "The bullet was stopped by his vest."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deflect off" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a change in direction after impact. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing physical phenomena, especially in sports and science contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "deflect off" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a change in direction upon impact. Ludwig provides numerous examples from news and scientific sources, confirming its frequent use in these contexts. While alternatives like "bounce off" and "rebound from" exist, "deflect off" is a versatile choice for clearly indicating a physical change in trajectory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be deflected by

Passive form of deflect, emphasizing the object causing the deflection.

bounce off

Similar in meaning, but implies a more energetic rebound.

rebound from

Suggests a return from a surface after impact.

ricochet off

Implies a more rapid and angled deflection.

glance off

Indicates a light, tangential contact and deflection.

carom off

Often used in billiards, suggesting a deflection off a surface.

be turned aside by

More formal, suggesting an intentional deflection or prevention.

be diverted by

Implies a change in course due to an obstruction.

skid off

Suggests a sideways deflection with a sliding motion.

brush against

Indicates a very slight deflection, almost a grazing.

FAQs

How can I use "deflect off" in a sentence?

Use "deflect off" to describe an object changing direction after hitting a surface or another object. For example: "The light "deflected off" the mirror." or "The ball "deflected off" the wall."

What are some alternatives to "deflect off"?

You can use alternatives such as "bounce off", "rebound from", or "glance off" depending on the specific context and the nature of the deflection.

Is it correct to say "deflect from" instead of "deflect off"?

While "deflect" can be used with "from", it has a different meaning. "Deflect off" describes a physical change in direction upon impact, whereas "deflect from" means to divert attention or avoid something, for example "deflect criticism from the team".

What's the difference between "deflect off" and "reflect off"?

"Deflect off" generally refers to a change in direction due to impact with a surface, while "reflect off" usually refers to light or sound bouncing back from a surface without significant alteration in its properties. An example is: the light "reflects off" a mirror.